derive

[ dih-rahyv ]

verb (used with object)

, de·rived, de·riv·ing.

1. to receive or obtain from a source or origin (usually followed by from ).

   Synonyms: net, reap, gather, glean, attain, gain

2. to trace from a source or origin:

   English words derived from German.

3. to reach or obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer.
4. Chemistry. to produce or obtain (a substance) from another.
5. Grammar. to create (a new linguistic form) by adding affixes to or changing the shape of a root or base:

   The word “runner” is derived from “run.”

verb (used without object)

, de·rived, de·riv·ing.

1. to come from a source or origin; originate (often followed by from ).

derive

/ dɪˈraɪv /

verb

1. usually foll by from to draw or be drawn (from) in source or origin; trace or be traced
2. tr to obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer
3. tr to trace the source or development of
4. usually foll by from to produce or be produced (from) by a chemical reaction
5. maths to obtain (a function) by differentiation

Derived Forms

• deˈrivable, adjective
• deˈriver, noun

Other Words From

• de·riv·a·ble adjective
• de·riv·er noun
• non·de·riv·a·ble adjective
• pre·de·rive verb (used with object) prederived prederiving
• un·de·riv·a·ble adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of derive¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English diriven, deriven “to flow, draw from, spring,” from Anglo-French, Old French deriver, from Latin dērīvāre “to lead off,” equivalent to dē- de- + rīv(us) “a stream” + -āre infinitive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of derive¹

C14: from Old French deriver to spring from, from Latin dērīvāre to draw off, from de- + rīvus a stream

Example Sentences

The T-vant adjuvant is derived from bacterial outer membrane vesicles, tiny particles that naturally stimulate the immune system.

From Science Daily

"By successfully creating a mouse using molecular tools derived from our single-celled relatives, we're witnessing an extraordinary continuity of function across nearly a billion years of evolution," said Dr de Mendoza.

From Science Daily

This indicates that the model has derived a set of corresponding rules similar to those used by radiologists, enabling it to produce more reliable results during clinical implementation.

From Science Daily

The study showed that salmonella causes inflammation in the small intestine in order to derive nutrients that fuel its replication in the colon.

From Science Daily

In that case, the justices turned away a challenge to the funding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which derives from the Federal Reserve System.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• acquire
• assume
• collect
• determine
• develop
• evolve
• extract
• glean
• infer
• obtain
• receive