Definition of Derivative

Derivative

Obtained by derivation; derived; not radical, original, or fundamental; originating, deduced, or formed from something else; secondary; as, a derivative conveyance; a derivative word.

That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from another.

A word formed from another word, by a prefix or suffix, an internal modification, or some other change; a word which takes its origin from a root.

A chord, not fundamental, but obtained from another by inversion; or, vice versa, a ground tone or root implied in its harmonics in an actual chord.

An agent which is adapted to produce a derivation (in the medical sense).

A derived function; a function obtained from a given function by a certain algebraic process.

A substance so related to another substance by modification or partial substitution as to be regarded as derived from it; thus, the amido compounds are derivatives of ammonia, and the hydrocarbons are derivatives of methane, benzene, etc.

Related Definitions:

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Derivative Quotations

It is incontestable and deplorable that Negroes have committed crimes; but they are derivative crimes. They are born of the greater crimes of the white society.
Martin Luther King, Jr.

My first two books are out of print and, okay, they can sleep there comfortably. It's early work, derivative work.
Mary Oliver

At the same time, much of it seems to have to do with recreating things we or others had already done; it seems rather derivative intellectually; is there a dearth of really new ideas?
Dennis Ritchie

I believe that writing is derivative. I think good writing comes from good reading.
Charles Kuralt

I guess after Dances With Wolves they probably tried some derivative westerns, and if they didn't work, they said the western is dead and moved on to something else.
Tom Selleck

I really enjoyed the sort of real crazy, eclectic layering stuff and how it all worked together. I could tell it was some of it was derivative of something. I could tell that certain things were being looped around and I just really enjoyed the way that it all came together.
Eric San

Actually, I take it as a compliment. Diva is a derivative of divine. That's quite a title to carry around.
Calista Flockhart

Since I was not able wholly to subscribe to any one set of beliefs advanced by any 'guru' I had to fall back on my own, however derivative.
Anthony Storr

I'm starting to feel like so much of rock music is derivative and boring.
Mary Timony

More Derivative Quotations

Derivative Translations

derivative in German is Ableitung {f}
derivative in Italian is funzione, derivazione
derivative in Spanish is funcion

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