derivative
/dɪˈɹɪvətɪv/ adjective, noun
Forms derivatives
- adjective Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or fundamental. “a derivative conveyance”
- adjective Imitative of the work of someone else.
- adjective (law, copyright law) Referring to a work, such as a translation or adaptation, based on another work that may be subject to copyright restrictions.
- adjective (finance) Having a value that depends on an underlying asset of variable value.
- noun Something derived.
- noun (linguistics) A word formed by derivation, such as stylish from style.
- noun (finance) A financial instrument whose value depends on the valuation of an underlying asset; such as a warrant, an option etc.
- noun (chemistry) A chemical derived from another.
- noun (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 derivative of x² is 2x; if f(x)#61;x², then f'(x)#61;2x”
- noun 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. “The derivative of f(x)#61;x³ at x#61;2 is 12.”
- noun (of more general classes of functions) Any of several related generalizations of the derivative: the directional derivative, partial derivative, Fréchet derivative, functional derivative, etc.
- noun (generally) The linear operator that maps functions to their derived functions, usually written D; the simplest differential operator.
Synonyms
derivate offshoot spinoff derived word contingent claim derived function differential coefficient differential first derivative derivative instrument
Antonyms
Etymology
From Middle French dérivatif, from Latin dērīvātus, perfect passive participle of dērīvō (“to derive”). Related to derive; by surface analysis, derive + -ative.
Webster’s 1913
- adjective Obtained by derivation; derived; not radical, original, or fundamental; originating, deduced, or formed from something else; secondary; as, a derivative conveyance; a derivative word. Derivative circulation, a modification of the circulation found in some parts of the body, in which the arteries empty directly into the veins without the interposition of capillaries. Flint.
- noun That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from another.
- noun 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.
Etymology [L. derivativus: cf. F. dérivatif.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “derivative”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details