—adj. derived from another source; not original (his music is derivative and uninteresting).
—n.
1 something derived from another source, esp.: a a word derived from another or from a root (e.g. quickly from quick). b Chem. a chemical compound that is derived from another.
2 Math. a quantity measuring the rate of change of another.
Derivatives:
derivatively adv.
Etymology: F deacuterivatif -ive f. L derivativus (as DERIVE)
Useful english dictionary. 2012.