\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.
{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*riv"a*tive*ly}, adv. --
   {De*riv"a*tive*ness}, n.

\De*riv"a*tive\, n.
1. That which is derived; anything obtained or deduced from
   another.
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.
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.
4. (Med.) An agent which is adapted to produce a derivation
   (in the medical sense).
5. (Math.) A derived function; a function obtained from a
   given function by a certain algebraic process.
Note: Except in the mode of derivation the derivative is the
      same as the differential coefficient. See {Differential
      coefficient}, under {Differential}.
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.