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derivation

noun
der·​i·​va·​tion | \ ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce derivation (audio) , ˌde-rə-\

Definition of derivation

1 linguistics

a(1) : the formation of a word from another word or base (as by the addition of a usually noninflectional affix) "Strategize" was formed by derivation from "strategy."
(2) : an act of ascertaining or stating the derivation of a word
(3) : etymology sense 1 research into the derivation of "Yankee"
b : the relation of a word to its base or root (see root entry 1 sense 6)
2a : source, origin foods of French derivation
b : descent, origination derivation from royal ancestors
3 : something that originates from something else : something derived : derivative more like an exact copy than a derivation
4 : an act or process of deriving debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs
5 logic : a sequence of statements showing that a result is a necessary consequence of previously accepted statements
Other Words from derivation Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about derivation

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Other Words from derivation

derivational \ ˌder-​ə-​ˈvā-​shnəl How to pronounce derivational (audio) , -​shə-​nᵊl , ˌde-​rə-​ \ adjective
… subjects' ability to auditorily recognize the correct form of derivational relationships where consonant and vowel alternation occurs. — Robert A. Barganz
derivationally adverb
derivationally related words

Synonyms & Antonyms for derivation

Synonyms

by-product, derivate, derivative, offshoot, outgrowth, spin-off

Antonyms

origin, root, source

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Examples of derivation in a Sentence

He is doing research into the derivation of “Yankee.” “Childish” was formed by derivation from “child.” Scientists are debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Work it off in local style aboard a Bellyak, a kayak derivation in which paddlers lie on their bellies and use their hands, clad in webbed gloves, to paddle. — Elaine Glusac, New York Times, "Summer’s Not Over Yet! 8 Ways to Extend Your Vacation," 2 Sep. 2019 The latter two are known as fentanyl analogues, or derivations from the traditional chemical makeup of fentanyl. — Phil Davis, baltimoresun.com, "Drug dealer who called 911 after buyer fatally overdosed in home sentenced to 15 years in prison," 16 Aug. 2019 The actual derivation is from the 17th-century French picnique, and has nothing to do with race. — Richard Lederer, San Diego Union-Tribune, "Weighing the pros and cons of political correctness," 10 Aug. 2019 Major League Baseball provided 27 names the Sox chose and 16 of them are some derivation of their first or last names or their initials. — Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, "Will Mookie Betts go the same route as Mike Trout?," 10 Aug. 2019 Schaefer gives his kids word lists to study, crafts a spelling curriculum, hammers home word roots and language derivations and enlists the help of word games and mini-bees to keep students engaged. — Elizabeth Hernandez, The Denver Post, "“Bill’s kids”: A 77-year-old Denverite has dedicated his life to coaching spelling for free “out of the goodness of his heart”," 10 June 2019 There is plenty there for the Democrats, not only the derivation of the dossier and the working with Russian officials to generate it through Christopher Steele. — Fox News, "Woman who knew Kavanaugh in high school speaks out," 14 Sep. 2018 Everyone borrows from elsewhere, chefs inspire other chefs, remixing ideas and executions with the hope the final product will transcend derivation. — Mark Kurlyandchik, Detroit Free Press, "Restaurant Review: Detroit's Empire Kitchen & Cocktails has no clothes," 12 July 2018 The Met has a fantastic show of Mexican painting up right now, and all of that art has a Catholic derivation. — Jason Farago, New York Times, "A Trinity of Opinions on the Met’s ‘Heavenly Bodies’," 20 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'derivation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of derivation

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a(1)

History and Etymology for derivation

see derive

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More Definitions for derivation

derivation

noun
How to pronounce derivation (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of derivation

: the origin of a word
: the act of forming a word from another word
: the source or origin of something

See the full definition for derivation in the English Language Learners Dictionary

derivation

noun
der·​i·​va·​tion | \ ˌder-ə-ˈvā-shən How to pronounce derivation (audio) \

Kids Definition of derivation

1 : the formation of a word from an earlier word or root
2 : etymology
3 : origin sense 1, source She enjoys foods of Mexican derivation.
4 : an act or process by which one thing is formed from another

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More from Merriam-Webster on derivation

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with derivation

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for derivation

Spanish Central: Translation of derivation

Nglish: Translation of derivation for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of derivation for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about derivation

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