operative

operative definition - medical

op·er·a·tive (ŏpˈər-ə-tĭv, -ə-rāˌtĭv, ŏpˈrə-)

adjective
  1. Of, relating to, or resulting from a surgical operation.
  2. Functioning effectively; efficient.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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