Derivative \De*riv"a*tive\, a. [L. derivativus: cf. F.
   d['e]rivatif.]
   Obtained by derivation; derived; not radical, original, or
   fundamental; originating, deduced, or formed from something
   else; secondary; as, a derivative conveyance; a derivative
   word.
   
[1913 Webster]


   2. Hence, unoriginal (said of art or other intellectual
      products.
      [PJC]

   {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*riva*tive*ly}, adv. --
      {De*riva*tive*ness}, n.
      
[1913 Webster]

Derivative \De*riv"a*tive\, n.
   1. That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from
      another.
      
[1913 Webster]


   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.
      
[1913 Webster]


   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.
      
[1913 Webster]


   4. (Med.) An agent which is adapted to produce a derivation
      (in the medical sense).
      
[1913 Webster]


   5. (Math.) A derived function; a function obtained from a
      given function by a certain algebraic process.
      
[1913 Webster]


   Note: Except in the mode of derivation the derivative is the
         same as the differential coefficient. See {Differential  coefficient}, under {Differential}.
         
[1913 Webster]


   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.
      
[1913 Webster]