— operatively , adv. — operativeness, operativity /op'euhr euh tiv"i tee/ , n.
/op"euhr euh tiv, op"reuh tiv, op"euh ray'tiv/ , n.
1. a person engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, esp. productive or industrial work; worker.
2. a detective.
3. a secret agent; spy.
adj.
4. operating, or exerting force, power, or influence.
5. having force; being in effect or operation: laws operative in this city.
6. effective or efficacious.
7. engaged in, concerned with, or pertaining to work or productive activity.
8. significant; key: The operative word in that sentence is "sometimes."
9. Med. concerned with, involving, or pertaining to surgical operations.
[ 1590-1600; operatif operat ( us ) (see OPERATE) + MF -if -IVE ]
Syn. 1. workman, factory hand. 2. investigator, agent. 6. effectual, serviceable.