derivation
noun
der·i·va·tion
ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən 
ˌde-rə-
1
linguistics
a(1)
: the formation of a word from another word or base (as by the addition of a usually noninflectional affix)
"Strategize" was formed by derivation from "strategy."
(2)
: an act of ascertaining or stating the derivation of a word
(3)
: etymology sense 1
research into the derivation of "Yankee"
b
: the relation of a word to its base or root (see root entry 1 sense 6)
2
b
: descent, origination
derivation from royal ancestors
3
: something that originates from something else : something derived : derivative
more like an exact copy than a derivation
4
: an act or process of deriving
debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs
5
logic
: a sequence of statements showing that a result is a necessary consequence of previously accepted statements
derivational
ˌder-ə-ˈvā-sh(ə-)nəl
adjective
ˌde-rə-
… subjects' ability to auditorily recognize the correct form of derivational relationships where consonant and vowel alternation occurs.
—
Robert A. Barganz
Robert A. Barganz
derivationally
adverb
derivationally related words
Synonyms
Examples of derivation in a Sentence
He is doing research into the derivation of “Yankee.”
“Childish” was formed by derivation from “child.”
Scientists are debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs.
Recent Examples on the Web
One focus of the program will be on work related to organic matter in the early stages of consideration as alternatives for design and manufacturing—things like algae, mycelium, and derivations of living organisms like insects—as structure for bioplastics, textiles, and pigment.
—Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2024
Instead of naming wines for the regions where they were actually grown, New World vintners simply slapped derivations of old-world appellations on their bottles.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2024
All that derivation might have been a glaring liability in lesser hands, but Worley has adroitly assembled the mega-mash-up into an engaging whole, with the help of an amiable cast and a crack technical team.
—Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2024
The new travel trailer breaks free from the confines of tiny teardrop derivation to sleep the entire family (kinda) and supply an all-electric off-grid base camp.
—New Atlas, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for derivation 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Angelica Villa, ARTnews.com, 30 Sep. 2024
Instead of naming wines for the regions where they were actually grown, New World vintners simply slapped derivations of old-world appellations on their bottles.
—Mike Desimone and Jeff Jenssen, Robb Report, 15 Sep. 2024
All that derivation might have been a glaring liability in lesser hands, but Worley has adroitly assembled the mega-mash-up into an engaging whole, with the help of an amiable cast and a crack technical team.
—Michael Rechtshaffen, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Sep. 2024
The new travel trailer breaks free from the confines of tiny teardrop derivation to sleep the entire family (kinda) and supply an all-electric off-grid base camp.
—New Atlas, 12 July 2024
See all Example Sentences for derivation
Dictionary Entries Near derivation
Cite this Entry
“Derivation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derivation. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
derivation
noun
der·i·va·tion
ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən
1
a
: the formation (as by the addition of a prefix or suffix) of a word from another word or root
b
: an act of finding out or stating how a word was formed
c
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