Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of obtaining something from a source: The process of deriving or receiving something from an origin or root.
   • The process of word formation: In linguistics, the process by which new words are created from existing words or roots, typically by adding prefixes or suffixes.
   • The historical origin or source of something: The point or line of development from which something originates.
   • A line of reasoning: A sequence of logical steps showing how a conclusion is drawn from premises.
   • A drawing off or diversion: The act of drawing something, such as water or fluid, away from a main channel or source.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The derivation of this custom is ancient and obscure. (The origin of this custom is ancient and obscure.)
  • 'Happiness' is a derivation from the adjective 'happy'. ('Happiness' is a word formed from the adjective 'happy'.)
  • His argument followed a logical derivation from the initial principles. (His argument followed a logical sequence from the initial principles.)
  • The engineer oversaw the derivation of water for the irrigation project. (The engineer oversaw the drawing off of water for the irrigation project.)

Advanced Usage

• In Historical Linguistics: Refers to the explanation of a word's historical origin and development.
  • The book provides a detailed derivation of the term 'salary' from the Latin word for salt.
• In Mathematics: Can refer to the process of obtaining a derivative, a fundamental concept in calculus.
  • The derivation of this formula requires an understanding of limits.

Variants and Related Words

• Derive (verb): To obtain or receive from a source; to originate from.
  • Many English words derive from Latin.
• Derivative (noun/adjective): (Noun) Something that is derived from another source. (Adjective) Imitative of the work of another artist or style.
  • Gasoline is a derivative of petroleum. (Noun)
  • His painting style is highly derivative of the Impressionists. (Adjective)
• Derivational (adjective): Relating to the formation of a new word from another word.
  • The suffix '-ness' is a derivational morpheme.

Synonyms

• Origin: The point or place where something begins.
• Etymology: The study of the origin of words and the way their meanings have changed.
• Deduction: The process of reaching a conclusion based on logic.
• Extraction: The action of taking something out, especially using effort.

Related Phrases

• Line of derivation: The sequence of steps or the path from a source to a result.
  • The line of derivation for this theory can be traced through several key papers.

Noun

1. the act of deriving something or obtaining something from a source or origin
2. drawing off water from its main channel as for irrigation
3. drawing of fluid or inflammation away from a diseased part of the body
4. inherited properties shared with others of your bloodline
5. (descriptive linguistics) the process whereby new words are formed from existing words or bases by affixation
   • `singer' from `sing' or `undo' from `do' are examples of derivations
6. a line of reasoning that shows how a conclusion follows logically from accepted propositions
7. (historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase
8. the source or origin from which something derives (i.e. comes or issues)
   • he prefers shoes of Italian derivation
   • music of Turkish derivation