derivative

The definition of derivative is something that imitates or is based off of something else.

(adjective)

When artwork is heavily influenced by Monet and imitates Monet's style, this is an example of artwork that would be described asderivative.

Derivative means something that is based on another source.

(noun)

A movie that is based on and inspired by an earlier film is an example of something that is derivative.

See derivative in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

Origin: ME derivatif < LL derivativus < L derivatus, pp. of derivare: see derive

noun

something derived
Chem. a substance derived from, or of such composition and properties that it may be considered as derived from, another substance by chemical change, esp. by the substitution of one or more elements or radicals
Finance a contract, as an option or futures contract, whose value depends on the value of the securities, commodities, etc. that form the basis of the contract
Linguis. a word formed from another or others by derivation
Math. the limiting value of a rate of change of a function with respect to a variable; the instantaneous rate of change, or slope, of a function (Ex.: the derivative of y with respect to x, often written dy/dx, is 3 when y = 3x)

Related Forms:

See derivative in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Resulting from or employing derivation: a derivative word; a derivative process.
Copied or adapted from others: a highly derivative prose style.

noun

Something derived.
Linguistics A word formed from another by derivation, such as electricity from electric.
Mathematics
a. The limiting value of the ratio of the change in a function to the corresponding change in its independent variable.
b. The instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to its variable.
c. The slope of the tangent line to the graph of a function at a given point. Also called differential coefficient, fluxion.
Chemistry A compound derived or obtained from another and containing essential elements of the parent substance.
Business An investment that derives its value from another more fundamental investment, as a commitment to buy a bond for a certain sum on a certain date.