I. ˈäp(ə)rə]d.]iv, ˈäpəˌrā], ]t], ]ēv also ]əv adjective
Etymology: Middle French operatif, from Latin operat us (past participle of operari to work) + Middle French -if -ive — more at operate
1. : producing an appropriate or designed effect : efficacious
an operative dose
an operative word
2. : having the power of acting : exerting force or influence : operating
an operative motive
an operative force
3.
a. : involving or having to do with physical operations (as of the hands or of machines
operative arts
operative skills
b. : engaged in or doing work : occupied in productive labor : working
an operative craftsman
operative freemasons working at their craft
4. : based upon or consisting of an operation or operations
operative surgery
operative dentistry
• op·er·a·tive·ly ]ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• op·er·a·tive·ness ]ivnə̇s, ]ēv- also ]əv-\ noun -es
II. noun
( -s )
: one that operates : operator: as
a. : a person engaged in an occupation or profession ; especially : a skilled or semiskilled employee in industry (as in a mill or factory) : artisan , mechanic
machine operatives
wool operatives
b. : a secret agent : private detective