I. ə̇nˈvāsiv, -āziv adjective
Etymology: Middle English (Scots), from Middle French invasif, from Medieval Latin invasivus, from Latin invasus (past participle of invadere ) + -ivus -ive
1. obsolete : of, relating to, or characterized by military aggression
shall we … make compromise, insinuation, parley, and base truce to arms invasive — Shakespeare
2. : tending to spread
for years we have been trying to get rid of invasive bulbs — E.H.M.Cox
specifically : tending to invade healthy tissue
invasive cancer cells
— compare preinvasive
3. archaic : tending to encroach on or infringe
invasive of tribal rights — H.J.S.Maine
II. adjective
: involving entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument)
invasive diagnostic techniques