derivation
     n 1: the source from which something derives (i.e. comes or
          issues); "he prefers shoes of Italian derivation"
     2: (historical linguistics) an explanation of the historical
        origins of a word or phrase [syn: {deriving}, {etymologizing}]
     3: a line of reasoning that shows how a conclusion follows
        logically from accepted propositions
     4: (descriptive linguistics) the process whereby new words are
        formed from existing words or bases by affixation:
        `singer' from `sing'; `undo' from `do'
     5: inherited properties shared with others of your bloodline
        [syn: {ancestry}, {lineage}, {filiation}]
     6: drawing of fluid or inflammation away from a diseased part
        of the body
     7: drawing off water from its main channel as for irrigation
Source: WordNet® 2.0