Where does “derivative” come from?

Derivative comes from Middle French dérivatif, from Latin derivatus (past participle of derivo, meaning "to lead away"), formed from de- and a root meaning "to flow."

derivative (English): Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or...

Definitions

  1. Obtained by derivation; not radical, original, or...

Ancestry of “derivative”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1Middle Frenchdérivatif
2Latindērīvātusdrawn off, diverted, derived
3LatindērīvōTo draw or lead off
4Latindē-of; from
5Latinof; concerning; about
6Latinpostbehind; after, since, besides, except; behind,...
7Latinposteablative singular of postis
8Proto-Italicpostibehind, after
9Proto-Indo-Europeanpóstiafter
10Proto-Indo-Europeanpósafterwards, post; by, at

Words derived from “derivative

Every word from Proto-Indo-European pósEvery word from Latin dē-Every word from Proto-Indo-European pósti
derivative — Etymology, Origin & Word History | Etymology Explorer