De*riv"a*tive (?), a. [L.
derivativus: cf. F. dérivatif.] Obtained by
derivation; derived; not radical, original, or fundamental;
originating, deduced, or formed from something else; secondary; as, a
derivative conveyance; a derivative word.
Derivative circulation, a modification of
the circulation found in some parts of the body, in which the
arteries empty directly into the veins without the interposition of
capillaries. Flint.
-- De*riv"a*tive*ly, adv. --
De*riv"a*tive*ness, n.
De*riv"a*tive, n. 1.
That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from
another.
2. (Gram.) A word formed from another
word, by a prefix or suffix, an internal modification, or some other
change; a word which takes its origin from a root.
3. (Mus.) A chord, not fundamental,
but obtained from another by inversion; or, vice versa, a
ground tone or root implied in its harmonics in an actual
chord.
4. (Med.) An agent which is adapted to
produce a derivation (in the medical sense).
5. (Math.) A derived function; a
function obtained from a given function by a certain algebraic
process.
&fist; Except in the mode of derivation the derivative is the same
as the differential coefficient. See Differential coefficient,
under Differential.
6. (Chem.) A substance so related to
another substance by modification or partial substitution as to be
regarded as derived from it; thus, the amido compounds are
derivatives of ammonia, and the hydrocarbons are
derivatives of methane, benzene, etc.
