de
ri
va
tive
Plural
derivatives
1
the rate at which a function changes with respect to its independent variable
- Calculating the derivative of a position function yields the velocity function, describing the rate of change of position with respect to time.
- The derivative of a revenue function provides the marginal revenue, indicating the additional revenue gained from selling one more unit.
- Finding the derivative of a distance function results in the instantaneous speed function, representing the speed of an object at a specific moment.
- In economics, the elasticity of a demand function is determined by finding the derivative with respect to price.
- The chain rule allows finding the derivative of composite functions, crucial for analyzing complex mathematical expressions.
2
(in linguistics) a word that is developed from another word or base
A derivative is a word formed from an existing word by adding an affix or making changes that result in a new meaning or part of speech. This process often involves the addition of prefixes or suffixes to the base or root word. For example, the noun "happy" can be transformed into the adjective "unhappy" by adding the prefix "un-", or into the noun "happiness" by adding the suffix "-ness". Derivatives expand the vocabulary of a language and allow for the expression of different concepts and grammatical categories, enhancing communication by providing various forms and meanings related to a root word.
- The word "happiness" is a derivative of "happy."
- Many English words are derivatives of Latin terms.
- She studied the derivatives of common prefixes.
- The derivative "childish" changes the meaning of "child."
- Linguists analyze how derivatives evolve over time.
3
a financial contract whose value depends on the price or performance of another asset, such as stocks, bonds, or commodities
- The company used derivatives to minimize the impact of fluctuating raw material costs.
- Traders buy and sell derivatives to speculate on the future value of assets.
- A derivative can be a tool for both hedging risk and making a profit.
- The bank created a derivative based on the performance of global stock markets.
- The complexity of financial derivatives can make them risky for inexperienced investors.
Synonyms:
4
a substance that is derived or obtained from another substance
- The derivative of the plant was used for medicinal purposes.
- The chemical derivative showed enhanced properties.
- This oil is a derivative of a natural substance found in plants.
- The researcher isolated a derivative from the original compound.
- The pharmaceutical industry often produces derivatives of natural substances for drugs.