DERIVATIVE - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Part of speech: Noun

a compound obtained from, or regarded as derived from, another compound

Categories: Compound, Chemical compound

Part of speech: Noun

(linguistics) a word that is derived from another word

Example: `electricity' is a derivative of `electric'

Categories: Word

Part of speech: Adjective

resulting from or employing derivation

Example: a derivative process; a highly derivative prose style

First derivative, Differential, Derivative instrument, Differential coefficient, Derivative

The word "derivative" comes from Latin dērīvātus, which comes from Middle French dérivatif.

derive – A related word in the same word family.

Latin's grammatical structure influenced how English speakers think about verb tenses and cases.