Derivation may mean: Derivation (abstract algebra) Derivation (linguistics) Derivation (logic) -- another name for a mathematical proof because the results are derived from the basic rules of the language used. Derivation may also refer to: Parse tree The creation of a derived row, in the twelve-tone musical technique An after-the-fact justification for an action, in the work of sociologist Vilfredo Pareto… (More on Derivation)