I. ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˌlā]d.]iv, -_lə], ]t], ]ēv also ]əv\ adjective
1. : tending to regulate : having regulation as an aim
a regulative statute
2.
a. : directing or regulating in the manner of a rule to be followed or an end to be attained — compare regulative principle
b. : constituting in Kantianism the ideas of reason (as First Cause) that arise in the mind because ideal knowledge requires the conception of the totality of conditions for anything given as conditioned — contrasted with constitutive
3. : capable of regulation : involving progressive determination and restriction of initially totipotent material — used of a developing zygote or its state; compare mosaic
II. noun
( -s )
: something (as a principle or enactment) that has regulative force