operative Hear it!

operative definition

op·era·tive (äp′ə rə tiv′, -ə rāt′iv)

adjective

  1. capable of, characterized by, or in operation
    1. accomplishing what is desired; effective
    2. of primary importance; key; essential the operative word in a sentence
  3. connected with physical work or mechanical action
  4. Surgery of or resulting from a surgical operation

Etymology: Fr opératif < LL(Ec) operativus

noun

  1. a worker, esp. one skilled in industrial work
  2. ☆ a detective or spy

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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