/ ɪnˈveɪsɪv; NAmE / adjective ( formal )
1.
( especially of diseases within the body ) spreading very quickly and difficult to stop :
invasive cancer
2.
( of medical treatment ) involving cutting into the body :
invasive surgery
—see also invade
OPP non-invasive
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from obsolete French invasif , -ive or medieval Latin invasivus , from Latin invadere , from in- into + vadere go.