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derive
[ dih-rahyv ]
/ dɪˈraɪv /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), de·rived, de·riv·ing.
to receive or obtain from a source or origin (usually followed by from).
to trace from a source or origin: English words derived from German.
Chemistry. to produce or obtain (a substance) from another.
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.
to come from a source or origin; originate (often followed by from).
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Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
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Origin of derive
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
OTHER WORDS FROM derive
Words nearby derive
derisive, derisory, deriv., derivation, derivative, derive, derived, derived curve, derived fossil, derived unit, Derleth
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use derive in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for derive
derive
/ (dɪˈraɪv) /
verb
(usually foll by from) to draw or be drawn (from) in source or origin; trace or be traced
(tr) to obtain by reasoning; deduce; infer
(tr) to trace the source or development of
(usually foll by from) to produce or be produced (from) by a chemical reaction
maths to obtain (a function) by differentiation
Derived forms of derive
derivable, adjectivederiver, nounWord Origin for derive
C14: from Old French deriver to spring from, from Latin dērīvāre to draw off, from de- + rīvus a stream
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Medical definitions for derive
derive
[ dĭ-rīv′ ]
v.
To obtain or receive from a source.
To produce or obtain a chemical compound from another substance by chemical reaction.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.