I. di-ˈri-və-tiv noun
Date: 15th century
1. : a word formed by derivation
2. : something derived
3. : 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.
a. : a chemical substance related structurally to another substance and theoretically derivable from it
b. : a substance that can be made from another substance
5. : a contract or security that derives its value from that of an underlying asset (as another security) or from the value of a rate (as of interest or currency exchange) or index of asset value (as a stock index)
II. adjective
Date: circa 1530
1. : formed by derivation
a derivative word
2. : made up of or marked by derived elements
3. : lacking originality : banal
• de·riv·a·tive·ly adverb
• de·riv·a·tive·ness noun