The derivative of a function is the rate of change of the function's output relative to its input value.
Derivative may also refer to:
In mathematics and economics Brzozowski derivative in the theory of formal languages Covariant derivative, a way of specifying a derivative along tangent vectors of a manifold with a connection. Exterior derivative, an extension of the concept of the differential of a function to differential forms of higher degree. Formal derivative, an operation on elements of a polynomial ring which mimics the form of the derivative from calculus Fréchet derivative, a derivative defined on normed spaces. Gateaux derivative, a generalization of the concept of directional derivative in differential calculus. Lie derivative, the change of a tensor field (including scalar functions, vector fields and one-forms), along the flow defined by another vector field. Radon–Nikodym derivative in measure theory Derivative (set theory), a concept applicable to normal functions Derivative (graph theory), an alternative term for a line graph Derivative (finance), a contract whose value is derived from that of other quantities Derivative suit or derivative action, a type of lawsuit filed by shareholders of a corporation
In science and engineering Derivative (chemistry), a type of compound which is a product of the process of derivatization Derivative (linguistics), the process of forming a new word on the basis of an existing word, e.g. happiness and unhappy from happy Aeroderivative gas turbine, a mechanical drive gas turbine derived from an aero engine gas turbine
Other uses Derivative work, in copyright law, a modification of an original work Fork (software development) Derivative (film), a 2005 Turkish film Derivative Inc., a spin-off of Side Effects Software, creators of the software Houdini Derivative, used to describe a word formed from another word
See also Derive (disambiguation), for meanings of "derive" and "derived" Derivation (disambiguation) Imitation Interpretation (disambiguation) Mimicry