derive
de·rive
verb \di-ˈrīv, dē-\de·rivedde·riv·ing
Definition of DERIVE
transitive verb
1
a : to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source b : to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance
3
archaic : bring
4
: to trace the derivation of
intransitive verb
: to have or take origin : come as a derivative
— de·riv·er noun
Examples of DERIVE
- The river derives its name from a Native American tribe.
- Much of the book's appeal derives from the personality of its central character.
Origin of DERIVE
Middle English, from Anglo-French deriver, from Latin derivare, literally, to draw off (water), from de- + rivus stream — more at run
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to DERIVE
Related Words: assume, suppose; conjecture, guess, speculate, surmise; construe, interpret, read; contemplate, philosophize, rationalize, think; ascertain, dope (out), find out
See Synonym Discussion at spring
Rhymes with DERIVE
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