Der`iva"tion, n. The formation of a
word from its more original or radical elements; also, a statement of
the origin and history of a word.
Der`i*va"tion (?), n. [L.
derivatio: cf. F. dérivation. See
Derive.] 1. A leading or drawing off of
water from a stream or source. [Obs.] T. Burnet.
2. The act of receiving anything from a
source; the act of procuring an effect from a cause, means, or
condition, as profits from capital, conclusions or opinions from
evidence.
As touching traditional communication, . . . I do not
doubt but many of those truths have had the help of that
derivation.
Sir M. Hale.
3. The act of tracing origin or descent, as
in grammar or genealogy; as, the derivation of a word from an
Aryan root.
4. The state or method of being derived; the
relation of origin when established or asserted.
5. That from which a thing is
derived.
6. That which is derived; a derivative; a
deduction.
From the Euphrates into an artificial
derivation of that river.
Gibbon.
7. (Math.) The operation of deducing
one function from another according to some fixed law, called the
law of derivation, as the operation of differentiation or of
integration.
8. (Med.) A drawing of humors or
fluids from one part of the body to another, to relieve or lessen a
morbid process.
Der`iva"tion, n. The formation of a
word from its more original or radical elements; also, a statement of
the origin and history of a word.
