Definition of operative Operative

/ɑˈpɚʌtɪv/ - [aperutiv] - op•er•a•tive

We found 14 definitions of operative from 4 different sources.

What does operative mean?

Adjective
operative - being in force or having or exerting force; "operative regulations"; "the major tendencies operative in the American political system"
		inoperative not working or taking effect; "an inoperative law"
		operant having influence or producing an effect; "many emotional determinants at work"; "an operant conscience"
		in effect, in force, effective, good existing in fact; not theoretical; real; "a decline in the effective demand"; "confused increased equipment and expenditure with the quantity of effective work done"
		in operation, operating, operational involved in a kind of operation; "the operating conditions of the oxidation pond"
operative - effective; producing a desired effect; "the operative word"
operative - relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine; "a surgical appendix"; "a surgical procedure"; "operative dentistry"
		surgical
		medical requiring or amenable to treatment by medicine especially as opposed to surgery; "medical treatment"; "pneumonia is a medical disease"
		preoperative happening or done before and in preparation for a surgical operation
operative - (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing; "in running (or working) order"; "a functional set of brakes"
		running, functional, working
		functioning performing or able to perform its regular function; "a functioning flashlight"

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operative (Noun)
An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill.
operative (Noun)
A spy, secret agent , or detective.
operative (Noun)
A participant of an operation.
operative (Adjective)
Effectual or important.
operative (Adjective)
Functional, in working order.

operative (a.)
Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative motive.
operative (a.)
Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty.
operative (a.)
Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery.
operative (n.)
A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.