derived

American  

[dih-rahyvd] / dɪˈraɪvd /

adjective

1. received, obtained, or arising from a particular source or in a particular way.

   The relationship between the root word and the derived form is often metaphorical.

   With ingredients that are 100% naturally derived, we can proudly say our lotion is vegan, cruelty-free, and ecofriendly.

2. dependent on or generated by something more basic; secondary.

   The demand for a piece of capital equipment is a derived demand, as it stems directly from the demand for whatever it helps to produce.

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verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of derive.

Other Word Forms

• self-derived adjective
• well-derived adjective

Etymology

Origin of derived

derive ( def. ) + -ed ² ( def. )

Example Sentences

But the couple derived their sense of purpose from the arduous journeys embarked upon by their relatives, as well as from the stories of the modern immigrants with whom the two women worked professionally.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

For example, the French navy uses the VSR700 drone derived from the small Cabri G2 helicopter for surveillance and reconnaissance.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

As of February, Allbirds was still pushing ahead with its initial sustainability pitch, announcing the launch of a shoe collection made with a leather alternative derived from plant proteins and recycled tires.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 31, 2026

Petrochemicals are derived from oil and gas and they are produced in great quantities for export by countries in the Gulf region.

From BBC • Mar. 26, 2026

This method derived from the theories of the Russian physicist George Gamow, who deduced from quantum mechanics that the occasional particle from even a moderately energetic beam could penetrate the nucleus.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik