Definition of: derivative

(di·riv′ə·tiv) adjective
Coming or acquiring by derivation; of or pertaining to derivation or evolution; derived; not original or basic.
—noun
1. That which is derived.
2. Gram. A word developed from a basic word, as by the addition of a prefix or suffix or by phonetic change: “Functional” is a derivative of “function.”
3. Chem. a A compound formed or regarded as being formed from another, usually by partial replacement. b Any organic compound containing a specified radical: a benzene derivative.
4. Music A chord derived from another by inversion, or from the harmonics of an assumed root: often used in the plural.
5. Math. The instantaneous rate of change of a function with reference to a variable.
—de·riv′a·tive·ly adverb