Derivative

A Derivative, sometimes known as a Coin Split, is a type of hard fork that contains the same transaction history but has changes that did not make into the blockchain protocol it derived from. These types usually take on the name of the cryptocurrency they were derived from. The common case is often creative differences within a team but this is not always the case. Derivatives, like all hard forks, are able to have wallets imported before the fork.

The most infamous example within the Bitcoin ecosystem is Bitcoin Cash, created following a dispute over Segwit. It unintentionally lead to possible explosion of new Bitcoin derivatives in it's wake.

Derivatives tend to draw controversy within the community, despite their often good intent, as oppose to forks that take on a new identity. However, they're usually adopted by merchants, exchanges and faucets, regardless of the reaction by the community.

There is no solid definition of a derivative for cryptocurrencies because some contain only minimal changes, despite going under a different name; however, these are generally considered to be scams unless their purpose is otherwise stated.