Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Derivative
De-riv′a-tive
,Adj.
[L.
derivativus
: cf. F. dérivatif
.] Obtained by derivation; derived; not radical, original, or fundamental; originating, deduced, or formed from something else; secondary;
– as, a
derivative
conveyance; a derivative
word.De-riv′a-tive-ly
, adv.
De-riv′a-tive-ness
, Noun.
De-riv′a-tive
,Noun.
1.
That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from another.
2.
(Gram.)
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.
3.
(Mus.)
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.
4.
(Med.)
An agent which is adapted to produce a derivation (in the medical sense).
5.
(Math.)
A derived function; a function obtained from a given function by a certain algebraic process.
☞ Except in the mode of derivation the derivative is the same as the differential coefficient. See
Differential coefficient
, under Differential
. 6.
(Chem.)
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.Webster 1828 Edition
Derivative
DERIVATIVE
, a.1.
Derived; taken or having proceeded from another or something preceding; secondary; as a derivative perfection; a derivative conveyance, as a release.2.
A derivative chord, in music, is one derived from a fundamental chord.DERIVATIVE
, n.1.
That which is derived; a word which takes its origin in another word, or is formed from it. Thus, depravity is a derivative from the L. Deravo, and acknowledge, from knowledge, and this from know, the primitive word.2.
In music, a chord not fundamental.