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 Web
Dan Alexander, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Other income and expenses included a change in the fair value of derivatives of $38,747 and interest expense of $166,984, leading to a total other expense of $153,538.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
Aaron Turpen, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2024
In synthetic ETFs, the price moves in tandem with the derivative instrument's price rather than the sport price but converges on the spot price as the option settlement date approaches.
—Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for derivative 
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Noun
Lutnick, by contrast, obsesses over minutiae, having made a career slicing small profits from massive transactions, exploring virtually every nook and cranny on Wall Street—equities, bonds, swaps, futures, derivatives, cryptocurrencies and SPACs.
—Dan Alexander, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Other income and expenses included a change in the fair value of derivatives of $38,747 and interest expense of $166,984, leading to a total other expense of $153,538.
—Quartz Bot, Quartz, 20 Nov. 2024
Adjective
The previous-generation’s platform and engines are still there, though somewhat modified, and styling changes are subtle rather than derivative.
—Aaron Turpen, New Atlas, 26 Oct. 2024
In synthetic ETFs, the price moves in tandem with the derivative instrument's price rather than the sport price but converges on the spot price as the option settlement date approaches.
—Lawrence Wintermeyer, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for derivative
Dictionary Entries Near derivative
Cite this Entry
“Derivative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derivative. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids 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
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