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 Formal derivative, an operation on elements of a polynomial ring which mimics the form of the derivative from calculus 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 deva 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 See also Derive (disambiguation), for meanings of "derive" and "derived" Derivation (disambiguation) Imitation Interpretation (disambiguation) Mimicry