derivations Play dɛrɪˈveɪʃ(ə)nnounthe action of obtaining something from a source or origin.the derivation of scientific laws from observationderiving,induction,deduction,deducing,inferring,inference,gathering,gleaning,drawing out,extraction,eliciting,eduction SYNONYMS deducingdeductionderivingdrawing outeductionelicitingextractiongatheringgleaninginductioninferenceinferring