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
Kingsley Martinthe 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)
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
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 WebJennifer Hussein, Allure, 10 Apr. 2024
The bill specifically would bar anyone under the age of 13 from buying any over-the counter cosmetic product that contains Vitamin A and its derivatives or an alpha hydroxy acid.
—Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
Several experts contacted by CNN said that rather than hitting fuel storage facilities, for example, Ukraine was hitting distillation units, where crude oil is processed and turned into fuel or other derivatives.
—Vasco Cotovio, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024
Due to a ban on selling derivatives and ETNs linked to unregulated digital assets, UK investors were left out and missed significant gains during the bull runs.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
When to use it The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recognized the use of milk thistle seeds and its derivatives in traditional herbal medicinal products to alleviate the symptoms associated with digestive disorders, while also supporting liver function.
—Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2024
Your doc might also recommend ergot derivatives, which bind to serotonin receptors and reduce pain signaling in the brain.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 11 Mar. 2024
In dollar terms, derivatives enjoy double-digit annual growth.
—Larry Light, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2024
France was among the earliest, prohibiting the production, sale, and usage of HHC and two of its derivatives in June 2023.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
These are gimmicks that have been done before — and better — in films like The Big Short and now just feel derivative.
—EW.com, 27 Oct. 2023
Neill balances the fine line between gruff and cruel, a symbol of a thousand baby boomer stereotypes without seeming derivative.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024
Retinol truly deserves its own essay, but the short version is this: The vitamin A derivative boosts collagen production and increases the rate of cellular turnover.
—Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024
Use Case #1: A/B Testing Efficiency One area where generative AI has potential is in the production of derivative ad creatives for the purposes of A/B testing.
—Rory Holland, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Many of the gags are either derivative or homages, depending on your perspective, including the vicious killer bunnies that bring to mind Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024
Combining derivative creation in a new asset class with high leverage multiples can create a situation that can leave investors caught short in times of market uncertainty or downturns.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024
As if that were not complex enough, Jack could also buy a derivative amounting to the option-to-buy a bundle of many such … derivatives that some super-computer would create.
—Yanis Varoufakis, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2024
Noun
Unlike the aforementioned alpha-hydroxy acids, tranexamic acid isn't a chemical exfoliator, but a synthetic derivative of the amino acid lysine.
—Jennifer Hussein, Allure, 10 Apr. 2024
The bill specifically would bar anyone under the age of 13 from buying any over-the counter cosmetic product that contains Vitamin A and its derivatives or an alpha hydroxy acid.
—Andrew Sheeler, Sacramento Bee, 9 Apr. 2024
Several experts contacted by CNN said that rather than hitting fuel storage facilities, for example, Ukraine was hitting distillation units, where crude oil is processed and turned into fuel or other derivatives.
—Vasco Cotovio, CNN, 2 Apr. 2024
Due to a ban on selling derivatives and ETNs linked to unregulated digital assets, UK investors were left out and missed significant gains during the bull runs.
—Susie Violet Ward, Forbes, 28 Mar. 2024
When to use it The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has recognized the use of milk thistle seeds and its derivatives in traditional herbal medicinal products to alleviate the symptoms associated with digestive disorders, while also supporting liver function.
—Valentina Bottoni, Vogue, 23 Mar. 2024
Your doc might also recommend ergot derivatives, which bind to serotonin receptors and reduce pain signaling in the brain.
—Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 11 Mar. 2024
In dollar terms, derivatives enjoy double-digit annual growth.
—Larry Light, Fortune, 13 Feb. 2024
France was among the earliest, prohibiting the production, sale, and usage of HHC and two of its derivatives in June 2023.
—Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024
Adjective
This derivative reworking becomes a means of communication among its members and an identity projection to those outside of the community.
—Dr. Marcus Collins, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024
These are gimmicks that have been done before — and better — in films like The Big Short and now just feel derivative.
—EW.com, 27 Oct. 2023
Neill balances the fine line between gruff and cruel, a symbol of a thousand baby boomer stereotypes without seeming derivative.
—Kelly Lawler, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2024
Retinol truly deserves its own essay, but the short version is this: The vitamin A derivative boosts collagen production and increases the rate of cellular turnover.
—Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024
Use Case #1: A/B Testing Efficiency One area where generative AI has potential is in the production of derivative ad creatives for the purposes of A/B testing.
—Rory Holland, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024
Many of the gags are either derivative or homages, depending on your perspective, including the vicious killer bunnies that bring to mind Monty Python and the Holy Grail.
—Frank Scheck, The Hollywood Reporter, 6 Mar. 2024
Combining derivative creation in a new asset class with high leverage multiples can create a situation that can leave investors caught short in times of market uncertainty or downturns.
—Sean Stein Smith, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2024
As if that were not complex enough, Jack could also buy a derivative amounting to the option-to-buy a bundle of many such … derivatives that some super-computer would create.
—Yanis Varoufakis, Fortune, 11 Feb. 2024
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'derivative.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Phrases Containing derivative
Dictionary Entries Near derivative
Cite this Entry
“Derivative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derivative. Accessed 18 Apr. 2024.
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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 adjective1
: 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 noun1
: 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 adjective1
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on derivative
Nglish: Translation of derivative for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of derivative for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about derivative
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