vt to trace the origin, descent, or derivation of; to recognize transmission of; as, he derives this word from the ·as.
2. derive ·vi to flow; to have origin; to descend; to proceed; to be deduced.
3. derive ·vt to obtain one substance from another by actual or theoretical substitution; as, to derive an organic acid from its corresponding hydrocarbon.
4. derive ·vt to receive, as from a source or origin; to obtain by descent or by transmission; to draw; to deduce;
followed by from.
5. derive ·vt to turn the course of, as water; to divert and distribute into subordinate channels; to diffuse; to communicate; to transmit;
followed by to, into, on, upon.