adjective

1. that is acting, functioning, working, moving, etc.
2. capable of acting, functioning, etc.
3. causing action, motion, or change
4. characterized by much action or motion; lively, busy, agile, quick, etc. an active mind, an active boy
5. actual, not just nominal; participating an active interest, to play an active role
6. necessitating action or work
7. 1. currently in operation, in effect, in progress, etc. an active law, an active disease
   2. in eruption an active volcano
8. Gram.
   1. denoting the voice or form of a verb whose subject is the performer, or agent, of the action of the verb
   2. in or of the active voice
   3. showing action rather than state of being: said of verbs like throw and walk

Etymology: ME & OFr actif < L activus < actus, pp. of agere: see act

noun

1. an active member of an organization
2. Gram.
   1. the active voice
   2. a verb in this voice