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

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