active

The definition of active is a person, thing or idea which is moving, in motion or changing.

(adjective)

A person who attends mass weekly and is involved with different religious programs is an example of an active church member.

See active in Webster's New World College Dictionary

adjective

that is acting, functioning, working, moving, etc.
capable of acting, functioning, etc.
causing action, motion, or change
characterized by much action or motion; lively, busy, agile, quick, etc.: an active mind, an active boy
actual, not just nominal; participating: an active interest, to play an active role
necessitating action or work
1. currently in operation, in effect, in progress, etc.: an active law, an active disease
2. in eruption: an active volcano
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

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

noun

Related Forms:

See active in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective

Being in physical motion: active fish in the aquarium.
Functioning or capable of functioning.
a. Marked by energetic activity; busy: active stock and bond markets; spent an active day sightseeing.
b. Involving or requiring physical exertion and energy: an active workout at the gym.
a. Being in a state of action; not quiescent: active hostilities along the border.
b. Erupting or liable to erupt; not dormant: an active volcano.
a. Marked by or involving direct participation: took an active interest in politics; played an active role on the committee.
b. Currently in use or effect: an active membership.
c. Openly acknowledged or expressed: an active dislike of the new neighbors.
Producing an intended action or effect: active ingredients.
Grammar
a. Indicating that the subject of the sentence is performing or causing the action expressed by the verb. Used of a verb form or voice.
b. Expressing action rather than a state of being. Used of verbs such as run, speak, and move.
Producing profit, interest, or dividends: active accounts; active stocks.
Electronics
a. Being a source of electrical energy, as a generator.
b. Capable of converting or amplifying voltages or currents, as a diode or transistor.
Being on full military duty and receiving full pay.