derivative
Meaning of derivative: A derivative is a substance produced by chemically modifying another compound, typically retaining some structural or functional relationship to its source.
Definition of derivative
A derivative is a substance formed by making a chemical change to another compound, called the parent compound, so that the new substance shares part of its structure while differing from it in some specific way.
Derivatives are common throughout medicine and pharmacology, since many medications are created by modifying a naturally occurring or previously known compound to improve its effectiveness, reduce side effects, or change how the body absorbs and processes it. A derivative can be produced through laboratory synthesis or occur naturally when the body metabolizes a substance into a related compound.
Because a derivative retains part of its parent compound's structure, it often shares some of the same properties or effects, though the specific chemical change producing it can also give the derivative distinct characteristics not seen in the original substance.
Used in a sentence
The medication is a synthetic derivative of a compound originally isolated from a plant source.
Good to know
A derivative is not necessarily interchangeable with its parent compound, since even a small structural change can alter how a substance behaves in the body.
Word origin
Where “derivative” comes from
Formed from Latin derivare, meaning to draw off or divert, from de-, meaning away, and rivus, meaning stream.