n.
Pronunciation: ' ak-tiv
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French actif, from Latin activus, from actus, past participle of agere to drive, do ― more at AGENT
Date: 14th century
1 : characterized by action rather than by contemplation or speculation <an active life>
2 : producing or involving action or movement
3 a of a verb form or voice : asserting that the person or thing represented by the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb < hits in “ he hits the ball ” is active > b : expressing action as distinct from mere existence or state
4 : quick in physical movement : LIVELY
5 : marked by vigorous activity : BUSY <the stock market was active >
6 : requiring vigorous action or exertion < active sports>
7 : having practical operation or results : EFFECTIVE <an active law>
8 a : disposed to action : ENERGETIC <took an active interest> b : engaged in an action or activity <an active club member> c of a volcano : currently erupting or likely to erupt ― compare DORMANT 2a EXTINCT 1b d : characterized by emission of large amounts of electromagnetic energy <an active galactic nucleus>
9 : engaged in full-time service especially in the armed forces < active duty>
10 : marked by present operation, transaction, movement, or use <an active account>
11 a : capable of acting or reacting : reacting readily < active nitrogen> < active ingredients> b : tending to progress or to cause degeneration < active tuberculosis> c of an electronic circuit element : capable of controlling voltages or currents d (1) : requiring the expenditure of energy < active calcium ion uptake> (2) : functioning by the emission of radiant energy or sound <radar is an active sensor>
12 : still eligible to win the pot in poker
13 : moving down the line : visiting in the set ― used of couples in contredanses or square dances
– active noun
– ac · tive · ly adverb
– ac · tive · ness noun