1. The act of deriving something or obtaining something from a source or origin
   "The derivation of the theorem took several steps"
    
2. The source or origin from which something derives (i.e. comes or issues)
   "he prefers shoes of Italian derivation"; "music of Turkish derivation"
    
3. (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"
    
4. (historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase
   "The linguist's derivation of the term revealed its unexpected roots";
   - deriving, etymologizing
    
5. A line of reasoning that shows how a conclusion follows logically from accepted propositions
   "The philosopher's derivation of his ethical theory was based on first principles"
    
6. Inherited properties shared with others of your bloodline
   "The word's derivation from Latin was clear";
   - ancestry, lineage, filiation
    
7. Drawing of fluid or inflammation away from a diseased part of the body
   "The doctor recommended derivation to reduce swelling in the patient's leg"
    
8. Drawing off water from its main channel as for irrigation
   "The derivation of water from the river supported the agricultural needs of the region"

Derived forms: derivations

See also: crossbred, purebred

Type of: account, act, beginning, deed, drawing, drawing off, explanation, hereditary pattern, human action, human activity, illation [rare], inference, inheritance, linguistic process, origin, root, rootage, source

Encyclopedia: Derivation