derivative meaning and definition

DERIVATIVE noun

Definition of derivative (noun)

1. the result of mathematical differentiation; the instantaneous change of one quantity relative to another; df(x)/dx
   • synonyms: derived function, differential, differential coefficient, first derivative
2. a compound obtained from, or regarded as derived from, another compound
3. a financial instrument whose value is based on another security
   • synonyms: derivative instrument
4. (linguistics) a word that is derived from another word
   • "`electricity' is a derivative of `electric'"

DERIVATIVE adjective

Definition of derivative (adjective)

1. resulting from or employing derivation
   • "a derivative process"; "a highly derivative prose style"