derivative

1 of 2

noun

de·​riv·​a·​tive di-ˈri-və-tiv 

1

linguistics : a word formed from another word or base : a word formed by derivation

"pointy," "pointed," and other derivatives of "point"

2

: something derived

… the sonata form (itself a derivative of opera) …

—Kingsley Martin

the name "Mia" is a derivative of "Maria"

3

mathematics : 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

chemistry

a

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

b

: a substance that can be made from another substance

Petroleum is a derivative of coal tar.

soybean derivatives

5

: a contract or security (see security sense 3) that derives its value from that of an underlying asset (such as another security) or from the value of a rate (as of interest or currency exchange) or index (see index entry 1 sense 1b) of asset value (such as a stock index)

derivative

2 of 2

adjective

1

linguistics : formed from another word or base : formed by derivation

a derivative word

2

: having parts that originate from another source : made up of or marked by derived elements

a derivative philosophy

3

: lacking originality : banal

a derivative performance

a film using a derivative plot device

derivatively adverb

derivativeness noun

Synonyms of derivative

Noun

• derivation
• derivate

Adjective

• secondary

Examples of derivative in a Sentence

Noun

The word “childish” is a derivative of “child.”

Tofu is one of many soybean derivatives.

Petroleum is a derivative of coal tar.

Adjective

A number of critics found the film derivative and predictable.

His style seems too derivative of Hemingway.

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

At the same time, leverage is increasing investors' AI exposure, as hedge funds and other investors use prime brokerage borrowing and derivatives to amplify returns on their bets on the boom. — Hugh Leask, CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026

While not a traditional psychedelic, the embrace of a ketamine derivative reveals the extent to which pharma companies are starting to explore non-traditional treatments. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Aug. 2026

Adjective

That has made download and derivative-model figures one measure of influence in the US-China AI race, as Chinese developers including Alibaba push capable models that are relatively cheap and easy to adapt. — Saritha Rai, Fortune, 15 Aug. 2026

The agency argues Congress has exclusive jurisdiction over derivative markets. — Renee Anderson, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun

see derive

Adjective

see derive

First Known Use

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Adjective

circa 1530, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing derivative

• partial derivative

Kids Definition

derivative

1 of 2 noun

de·​riv·​a·​tive di-ˈriv-ət-iv 

1

: a word formed by derivation

the word "kindness" is a derivative of "kind"

2

: something derived

3

: a substance that can be made from another substance in one or more steps

a derivative of coal tar

derivative

2 of 2 adjective

1

: formed by derivation

2

: made up of or having elements derived from something else

derivative poetry

Medical Definition

derivative

1 of 2 adjective

de·​riv·​a·​tive di-ˈriv-ət-iv 

1

: formed by derivation

2

: made up of or marked by derived elements

derivative

2 of 2 noun

1

: something that is obtained from, grows out of, or results from an earlier or more fundamental state or condition

2

a

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

b

: a substance that can be made from another substance

Legal Definition

derivative

1 of 2 noun

de·​riv·​a·​tive də-ˈri-və-tiv 

: 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)

Note: Derivatives often take the form of customized contracts transacted outside of security exchanges, while other contracts, such as standard index options and futures, are openly traded on such exchanges. Derivatives often involve a forward contract.

derivative

2 of 2 adjective

1

: arising out of or dependent on the existence of something else compare direct

2

: of, relating to, or being a derivative

a derivative transaction

derivatively adverb