definition of
[derivation]

[1] #1 derivation n. the source or origin from which something derives (i.e. comes or issues); "he prefers shoes of Italian derivation"; "music of Turkish derivation". wn

[2] #2 derivation n. [deriving, etymologizing] (historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical origins of a word or phrase. wn

[3] #3 derivation n. a line of reasoning that shows how a conclusion follows logically from accepted propositions. wn

[4] #4 derivation n. (descriptive linguistics) the process whereby new words are formed from existing words or bases by affixation; "'singer' from 'sing' or 'undo' from 'do' are examples of derivations". wn

[5] #5 derivation n. [ancestry, lineage, filiation] inherited properties shared with others of your bloodline. wn