derivative

noun

Something derived.

(finance) A financial instrument whose value depends on the valuation of an underlying asset; such as a warrant, an option etc.

(chemistry) A chemical derived from another.

(linguistics) A word formed by derivation, such as stylish from style.

(calculus) One of the two fundamental objects of study in calculus (the other being integration), which quantifies the rate of change, tangency, and other qualities arising from the local behavior of a function.

(of a function of a single variable f(x) ) The derived function of f(x): the function giving the instantaneous rate of change of f; equivalently, the function giving the slope of the line tangent to the graph of f. Written f'(x) or (df)/(dx) in Leibniz's notation, ̇f(x) in Newton's notation (the latter used particularly when the independent variable is time).

The value of such a derived function for a given value of its independent variable: the rate of change of a function at a point in its domain.

(of more general classes of functions) Any of several related generalizations of the derivative: the directional derivative, partial derivative, Fréchet derivative, functional derivative, etc.

(generally) The linear operator that maps functions to their derived functions, usually written D; the simplest differential operator.

adjective

Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.

Imitative of the work of someone else.

(law, copyright law) Referring to a work, such as a translation or adaptation, based on another work that may be subject to copyright restrictions.

(finance) Having a value that depends on an underlying asset of variable value.

Roots

rivusriv- · Latin · stream

Synonyms for derivative

derivedadj derivationn derivationaladj

Synonyms & related words for derivative

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Words related to derivative

Explore words related to derivative — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include carbazole, saccharate, benzofuran, benzoic, pyrone, crocein, acridine, pyridine. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for derivative

Common synonyms for derivative include derived, derivation, derivational — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does derivative come from?

The word derivative breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root riv-, from Latin rivus (“stream”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.