noun

derivation

dair-ih-VAY-shun/ˌderɪˈveɪʃn/

The tracing of something from its source.

The diagram shows the derivation of aquatic from Latin aqua.

Simple word origin diagram: Latin aqua on left leads by one arrow to English aquatic on right, water illustration reinforces derivation.

Etymology

deLatinfrom

+rivLatinstream

+ationLatinaction or process

The “from” and “stream” pieces recall drawing water away from its source. That concrete image broadened into tracing how something originates or takes shape from an earlier source.

In context

Chronicle - Medieval History Documentaries144:11

Maslin is um a derivation of the French maslin, and that means a mixture.

What It Was Like To Live On A Medieval Farm As A Peasant | Tudor Monastery | Chronicle

More examples

The dictionary explains the derivation of this unusual surname.
The derivation of happiness from happy involves adding a suffix.
She explains each step in the derivation of the formula.

Forms

derivation · derivations

derive verb — To obtain or develop from a source.

Similar words

etymology: Specifically traces a word's origin and changes over time.
origin: Names the starting point rather than the tracing process.