derivation

noun

der·​i·​va·​tion ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce derivation (audio)
ˌde-rə-
1
linguistics
a(1)
: the formation of a word from another word or base (as by the addition of a usually noninflectional affix)
"Strategize" was formed by derivation from "strategy."
(2)
: an act of ascertaining or stating the derivation of a word
(3)
: etymology sense 1
research into the derivation of "Yankee"
b
: the relation of a word to its base or root (see root entry 1 sense 6)
2
a
: source, origin
foods of French derivation
b
: descent, origination
derivation from royal ancestors
3
: something that originates from something else : something derived : derivative
more like an exact copy than a derivation
4
: an act or process of deriving
debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs
5
logic : a sequence of statements showing that a result is a necessary consequence of previously accepted statements
derivational
ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shnəl How to pronounce derivation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
ˌde-rə-
adjective
… subjects' ability to auditorily recognize the correct form of derivational relationships where consonant and vowel alternation occurs. Robert A. Barganz
derivationally adverb
derivationally related words

Examples of derivation in a Sentence

He is doing research into the derivation of “Yankee.” “Childish” was formed by derivation from “child.” Scientists are debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs.
Recent Examples on the Web Trench coats and derivations thereof were also a key motif of the Dior Spring 24 Haute Couture collection that bowed in January and, as such, represent a leit motif uniting the verticals and underscoring house messaging. Stephanie Hirschmiller, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Leaders must never lose track of key performance indices, such as vision sharing, team bonding, cross-pollination of ideas, derivation of learnings, improvement of workplace culture, client relations or customer experience, etc. Abiola Salami, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2023 Lawmakers later amended the bill and focused the measure on limiting the sales of products containing chemical modification, conversion, or synthetic derivation of delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and other synthetic intoxicating compounds originated or synthesized from hemp. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 19 May 2022 Delta 8 distillate is legal in many states due to its derivation from hemp rather than marijuana. Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 4 Aug. 2023 The Perseids are also known for their fireballs, making the stars appear brighter and faster compared to the average meteor streak due to its derivation from larger particles of cometary material. Skyler Caruso, Peoplemag, 7 Aug. 2023 In the the text of this paper there are the classic jumps and mysterious connections between equations along the chain of derivation which characterize much of mathematics. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 17 Aug. 2010 There is no comics counterpart to Riella, but her name comes from a derivation of Aunt May’s last name: Reilly. Dan Gvozden, The Hollywood Reporter, 4 June 2023 The elaboration could have nothing to do with the wild path of the answer derivation. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 3 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'derivation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see derive

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

Time Traveler
The first known use of derivation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near derivation

Cite this Entry

“Derivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derivation. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

derivation

noun
der·​i·​va·​tion ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce derivation (audio)
1
a
: the formation (as by the addition of a prefix or suffix) of a word from another word or root
b
: an act of finding out or stating how a word was formed
c
2
a
: a point of origin : source
b
: development from a source : descent
c
: an act or process of deriving
derivational
-shnəl How to pronounce derivation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

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