Linearization of the Derivative Block (MATLAB)

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In MATLABs documentation for the derivative block here, it states the following:

The exact linearization of the Derivative block is difficult because the dynamic equation for the block is y=$\dot{u}$, which you cannot represent as a state-space system. However, you can approximate the linearization by adding a pole to the Derivative block to create a transfer function s/(c∗s+1).

Can anyone explain what it means to linearize the Derivative block? I thought differentiation was a linear operator, so I don't see why you'd want to linearize it.

Thanks in advance!