(ˈ)in|dəktiv, ənˈd-, -tēv also -təv adjective
Etymology: in sense 1, from Medieval Latin inductivus, from Latin inductus (past participle of inducere to induce) + -ivus -ive; in other senses, from induction, after such pairs as English deduction : deductive — more at induce
1. : leading on : drawing on : inducing , tempting
inductive to the sin of Eve — John Milton
2. : of or relating to logical induction
the inductive method
inductive reasoning
: employing the methods of induction
inductive science
3.
a. : of, relating to, or produced or operated by electrical induction
b. : of, relating to, or having inductance especially mutual inductance
4. : introductory , prefatory
5. : involving the action of an inductor
inductive effect of chordamesoderm
: tending to produce induction
inductive reactions in the embryo
• in·duc·tive·ly -təvlē, -li adverb
• in·duc·tive·ness -tivnə̇s, -tēv- also -təv- noun -es