Added 9 October 2026
derivative
/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/ adjective
Latin root: dērīvātus Wiktionary
adjective Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about derivative at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental.
a derivative conveyance
- Imitative of the work of someone else.
- Referring to a work, such as a translation or adaptation, based on another work that may be subject to copyright restrictions.
noun
- Something derived.
- A word formed by derivation, such as stylish from style.
- A financial instrument whose value depends on the valuation of an underlying asset; such as a warrant, an option etc.
Origin
From Middle French dérivatif, from Latin dērīvātus, perfect passive participle of dērīvō (“to derive”). Related to derive; by surface analysis, derive + -ative.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)