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
the 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
Cite this Entry
“Derivative.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derivative. Accessed 14 Jul. 2026.
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