Derivative

A derivative is something created from a primary source, and can mean different things.

• In etymology, a derivative is a word that is made from a more basic word.
• In Chemistry, a derivative is a substance that has similar properties as the original. However, one or more components of the original are replaced. That way, if a reaction can be observed in the original, it will also be there in its derivative. It may be stronger, or weaker in nature, though.
• In finance, derivative is a common short word for derivative security.
• In mathematics, the derivative of a function is a central idea of calculus. The derivative of a function at a point shows how fast a function changes as its argument changes. Also, a derivative of a function at a certain point is the slope of the point's tangent line. Therefore the derivative of a function at a point is only a numerical value.