Definitions for: Derive


[v] develop or evolve, esp. from a latent or potential state
[v] come from; "The present name derives from an older form"
[v] reason by deduction; establish by deduction
[v] obtain; "derive pleasure from one's garden"
[v] come from; be connected by a relationship of blood, for example; "She was descended from an old Italian noble family"; "he comes from humble origins"



Webster (1913) Definition: De*rive", v. t. [imp. & p. p. Derived; p. pr. & vb.
n. Deriving.] [F. d['e]river, L. derivare; de- + rivus
stream, brook. See Rival.]
1. To turn the course of, as water; to divert and distribute
into subordinate channels; to diffuse; to communicate; to
transmit; -- followed by to, into, on, upon. [Obs.]

For fear it [water] choke up the pits . . . they
[the workman] derive it by other drains. --Holland.

Her due loves derived to that vile witch's share.
--Spenser.

Derived to us by tradition from Adam to Noah. --Jer.
Taylor.

2. To receive, as from a source or origin; to obtain by
descent or by transmission; to draw; to deduce; --
followed by from.



3. To trace the origin, descent, or derivation of; to
recognize transmission of; as, he derives this word from
the Anglo-Saxon.

From these two causes . . . an ancient set of
physicians derived all diseases. --Arbuthnot.

4. (Chem.) To obtain one substance from another by actual or
theoretical substitution; as, to derive an organic acid
from its corresponding hydrocarbon.

Syn: To trace; deduce; infer.


De*rive", v. i.
To flow; to have origin; to descend; to proceed; to be
deduced. --Shak.

Power from heaven Derives, and monarchs rule by gods
appointed. --Prior.

Synonyms: come, deduce, deduct, descend, educe, gain, infer

See Also: carry back, conclude, create, draw, elicit, etymologise, etymologize, evolve, extrapolate, make, obtain, reap, reason, reason out, surmise

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