Der`iva"tion , n. The formation of a word from its more
original or radical elements; also, a statement of the origin
and history of a word.
Der`i*va"tion (?), n.
[L. derivatio: cf. F. dérivation. See Derive.]
1. A leading or
drawing off of water from
a stream or
source. [Obs.] T. Burnet.
2. The act of
receiving anything from a source; the
act of procuring an effect from a cause,
means, or condition, as profits from capital, conclusions or opinions
from evidence.
As touching traditional communication, . . . I do not doubt
but many of
those truths have had the help
of that derivation.
Sir M. Hale. 3. The act of tracing origin or descent, as in grammar
or genealogy; as, the derivation of a word from an Aryan root.
4. The state or
method of being derived; the relation of origin when established or asserted.
5. That from which a thing
is derived.
6. That which is
derived; a derivative; a deduction.
From the
Euphrates into an artificial derivation of that river.
Gibbon. 7. (Math.) The operation of deducing one function from another according to some fixed law, called the law of derivation, as the operation of differentiation or of integration.
8.
(Med.) A drawing of humors or fluids from one part
of the body
to another, to relieve or
lessen a morbid process.
Hear it pronounced