de·riv·a·tive 
(dĭ-rĭvə-tĭv)
(dĭ-rĭvə-tĭv)adj.
1. Resulting from or employing derivation: a derivative word; a derivative process.
2. Copied or adapted from others: a highly derivative prose style.
n.
1. Something derived.
2. Linguistics A word formed from another by derivation, such as Electricity from electric.
3. Mathematics
a. The limiting value of the ratio of the change in a function to the corresponding change in its independent variable.
b. The instantaneous rate of change of a function with respect to its variable.
c. The slope of the tangent line to the graph of a function at a given point. Also called differential coefficient, fluxion.
4. Chemistry A compound derived or obtained from another and containing essential elements of the parent substance.
5. A financial instrument that derives its value from another more fundamental asset, as a commitment to buy a bond for a certain sum on a certain date.
de·riva·tive·ly adv.