I. ˈä-p(ə-)rə-tiv, ˈä-pə-ˌrā- 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
II. noun
Date: circa 1810
: operator : as
a. : artisan , mechanic
b. : a secret agent
c. : private detective
d. : a person who works toward achieving the objectives of a larger interest
political operative s