In object-oriented programming, a class created from another class, called the base class. A derived class inherits all the features of its base class. It can then add data elements and routines, redefine routines from the base class, and restrict access to base-class features.
A class that assumes a child role when it participates in an inheritance relationship with a parent (or base) class whose methods can be extended or redefined and whose member access can be restricted.