— derivatively , adv. — derivativeness , n.
/di riv"euh tiv/ , adj.
1. derived.
2. not original; secondary.
n.
3. something derived.
4. Also called derived form . Gram. a form that has undergone derivation from another, as atomic from atom.
5. Chem. a substance or compound obtained from, or regarded as derived from, another substance or compound.
6. Also called differential quotient; esp. Brit., differential coefficient . Math. the limit of the ratio of the increment of a function to the increment of a variable in it, as the latter tends to 0; the instantaneous change of one quantity with respect to another, as velocity, which is the instantaneous change of distance with respect to time. Cf. first derivative, second derivative .
7. a financial contract whose value derives from the value of underlying stocks, bonds, currencies, commodities, etc.
[ 1400-50; late ME derivatif derivativus, equiv. to L derivat ( us ) (see DERIVATION) + -ivus -IVE ]