/ ɪˈlektɪv; NAmE / adjective , noun
■ adjective [ usually before noun ] ( formal )
1.
using or chosen by election :
an elective democracy
an elective assembly
an elective member
He had never held elective office (= a position which is filled by election) .
2.
having the power to elect :
an elective body
3.
( of medical treatment ) that you choose to have; that is not urgent
SYN optional :
elective surgery
4.
( of a course or subject ) that a student can choose
SYN optional
■ noun
( especially NAmE ) a course or subject at a college or school which a student can choose to do
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Old French electif , -ive , from late Latin electivus , from elect- picked out, from the verb eligere , from e- (variant of ex- ) out + legere to pick.