Operative

Full definition of operative

Adjective

1. Effectual or important.He's usually in a good mood — the operative word there being "usually". Today was a disaster.
2. Functional, in working order.
3. Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects.an operative motive
• SouthIt holds in all operative principles.
4. Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious.an operative dose, rule, or penalty
5. Based upon, or consisting of, a surgical operation or operations.operative surgery

Related terms

• operand
• operant
• operate
• operation
• operational
• operator

Derived terms

• operative word

Noun

1. An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill.
2. A spy, secret agent, or detective.
3. A participant of an operation.

Anagrams

• evaporite