der·i·va·tion 
/ˌderəˈveɪʃən/ noun
plural der·i·va·tions /ˌderəˈveɪʃən/ noun 1 a : the origin of a word [count] ▪ It is a word for which several derivations [=etymologies] have been suggested. ▪ He is doing research into the derivation of “Yankee.” [noncount] ▪ words of Latin derivation
b [noncount] : the act of forming a word from another word
▪ “Childish” was formed by derivation from “child.” 2 a [noncount] : the source or origin of something
▪ foods of Indian derivation [=foods originally from India]
b [count] : an act or process by which one thing is formed or created from another
▪ Scientists are debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs.
b [noncount] : the act of forming a word from another word
▪ “Childish” was formed by derivation from “child.”
▪ foods of Indian derivation [=foods originally from India]
b [count] : an act or process by which one thing is formed or created from another
▪ Scientists are debating the possible derivation of birds from dinosaurs.
