derivative

¹de·riv·a·tive

noun \di-ˈri-və-tiv\

Definition of DERIVATIVE

1

: a word formed by derivation

2

: something derived

3

: the limit of the ratio of the change in a function to the corresponding change in its independent variable as the latter change approaches zero

4

a : a chemical substance related structurally to another substance and theoretically derivable from it

b : a substance that can be made from another substance

5

: a contract or security that derives its value from that of an underlying asset (as another security) or from the value of a rate (as of interest or currency exchange) or index of asset value (as a stock index)

Examples of DERIVATIVE

1. The word “childish” is a derivative of “child.”
2. Tofu is one of many soybean derivatives.
3. Petroleum is a derivative of coal tar.

First Known Use of DERIVATIVE

15th century

Related to DERIVATIVE

Synonyms

by-product, derivate, derivation, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off

Antonyms

origin, root, source

Related Words

descendant (also descendent); aftermath, consequence, corollary, development, fruit, growth, issue, outcome, product, result, sequel, sequence, upshot; denouement (also dénouement), repercussion; aftereffect, side effect (also side reaction); copy, duplicate, facsimile, replica, reproduction

Near Antonyms

archetype, original, prototype; antecedent, cause, determinant, occasion, reason

²derivative

adjective

Definition of DERIVATIVE

1

: formed by derivation <a derivative word>

2

: made up of or marked by derived elements

3

: lacking originality : banal

— de·riv·a·tive·ly adverb

— de·riv·a·tive·ness noun

Examples of DERIVATIVE

1. A number of critics found the film derivative and predictable.
2. His style seems too derivative of Hemingway.

First Known Use of DERIVATIVE

circa 1530

Related to DERIVATIVE

Synonyms

secondary, secondhand

Antonyms

basic, original

Related Words

unoriginal; consequent, resultant

Near Antonyms

fundamental, nonderivative; first, primary

derivative

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

In mathematics, a fundamental concept of differential calculus representing the instantaneous rate of change of a function. The first derivative of a function is a function whose values can be interpreted as slopes of tangent lines to the graph of the original function at a given point. The derivative of a derivative (known as the second derivative) describes the rate of change of the rate of change, and can be thought of physically as acceleration. The process of finding a derivative is called differentiation.