derive

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   To obtain or receive (something) from something else.

   • Reading books is the best way to derive knowledge.
   • Bob the aforesaid, and his present chances of deriving a competent independence from the honourable profession to which he had devoted himself.
   • Power is derived from a British United Traction Limited "A"-type 150-h.p. six-cylinder horizontal diesel engine; this drives through a fluid flywheel, and thence through a free wheel unit to a four-speed epicyclic gearbox.
2. 2

   To deduce (a conclusion) by reasoning.

3. 3

   To find the derivation of (a word or phrase).

4. ›+ 4 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      To create (a compound) from another by means of a reaction.

   2. 5

      To originate or stem (from).

      • Her excellent organisation skills derive from her time as a secretary in the army.
      • Britannia's firebox would appear to have derived from those of the Bulleid Pacifics, which it closely resembles.
      • Today, popularity is typically a multialgorithmic measure. At Flickr, a photo's interestingness derives from views, comments, notes, bookmarks, favorites...
   3. 6

      To turn the course of (water, etc.)

      To turn the course of (water, etc.); to divert and distribute into subordinate channels.

      • For fear it [water] choke up the pits […] they [the workman] deriue it by other drains.
   4. 7

      To differentiate (a function).

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