n.
Pronunciation: ' ä-p( ə -)r ə -tiv, ' ä-p ə - ˌ r ā -
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 a : producing an appropriate effect : EFFICACIOUS b : most significant or essential <the operative word in a phrase>
2 : exerting force or influence : OPERATING
3 a : having to do with physical operations (as of machines) b : WORKING <an operative craftsman>
4 : based on or consisting of an operation < operative dentistry>
– op · er · a · tive · ly adverb
– op · er · a · tive · ness noun