adjective

1. of, capable of, or concerned with, carrying out duties, functions, etc. or managing affairs, as in a business organization
2. empowered and required to administer (laws, government affairs, etc.); administrative
3. of administrative or managerial personnel or functions

Etymology: ME < ML executivus < L executus: see executor

noun

1. the person, group of people, or branch of government empowered and required to administer the laws and affairs of a nation
2. any person whose function is to administer or manage affairs, as of a corporation, school, etc.