Manipulative

Full definition of manipulative

Adjective

1. Using manipulation purposefully.
• 2012-01, Robert M. Pringle, How to Be Manipulative, As in much of biology, the most satisfying truths in ecology derive from manipulative experimentation. Tinker with nature and quantify how it responds.
2. Tending to manipulate others.
3. (pejorative) Reaching one's goals at the expense of other people by using them.

Noun

1. A manipulable object designed to demonstrate a mathematical concept.
• 2008, April 25, Kenneth Chang, Study Suggests Math Teachers Scrap Balls and Slices, Some children need manipulatives to learn math basics, Dr. Clements said, but only as a starting point.