derived; deriving
1
a
: to take, receive, or obtain especially from a specified source
is said to derive its name from a Native American word meaning "wild onion"
b
chemistry
: to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance
Petroleum is derived from coal tar.
3
archaic
: bring
… inconvenience that will be derived to them from stopping all imports …—
Thomas Jefferson
Thomas Jefferson4
: to trace the derivation of
We can derive the word "chauffeur" from French.
: to have or take origin : come as a derivative
The novel's appeal derives entirely from the complexity of its characters.
deriver
noun
Synonyms
Examples of derive in a Sentence
The river derives its name from a Native American tribe.
Much of the book's appeal derives from the personality of its central character.
Recent Examples on the Web
Other elements derived from the Stuttgart carmaker include the dual-clutch transmission and VW Group components like the 4.0-liter V-8.
—Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
When is the full moon in November 2024? Friday, Nov. 15, is when the Beaver Moon, a name derived from Native American, European and colonial sources, should reach peak illumination, according to NASA.
—John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
These five are actually available below their book value: that is, the stock price is less than the figure derived from subtracting total liabilities from total assets.
—John Navin, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Animal-friendly Vegan protein powders do not use any animal products, unlike other formulas that feature proteins like whey (derived from milk), egg whites, or casein (made from dehydrated milk curd).
—Suzy Forman, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024
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Basem Wasef, Robb Report, 23 Nov. 2024
When is the full moon in November 2024? Friday, Nov. 15, is when the Beaver Moon, a name derived from Native American, European and colonial sources, should reach peak illumination, according to NASA.
—John Tufts, The Courier-Journal, 22 Nov. 2024
These five are actually available below their book value: that is, the stock price is less than the figure derived from subtracting total liabilities from total assets.
—John Navin, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024
Animal-friendly Vegan protein powders do not use any animal products, unlike other formulas that feature proteins like whey (derived from milk), egg whites, or casein (made from dehydrated milk curd).
—Suzy Forman, SELF, 21 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for derive
Dictionary Entries Near derive
Cite this Entry
“Derive.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/derive. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
derive
verb
de·rive
di-ˈrīv 
derived; deriving
1
: to receive or obtain from a source
3
: to trace the origin, descent, or derivation of
4
: to come from a certain source or basis
the tradition derives from ancient practices
derivable
adjective
-ˈrī-və-bəl
Medical Definition
derive
verb
de·rive
di-ˈrīv
derived; deriving
: to take, receive, or obtain, especially from a specified source
specifically
: to obtain (a chemical substance) actually or theoretically from a parent substance
: to have or take origin
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