English dictionary
operative
adjectivePronunciation
ˈɒpəɹətɪv
Audio pronunciation
Parts of speech
Definitions
adjective
- being in force or having or exerting force
adjective
- (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing
adjective
- relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine
adjective
- effective; producing a desired effect
noun
- someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information and assist in criminal investigations
noun
- a person secretly employed in espionage for a government
Example sentences
operative regulations
the major tendencies operative in the American political system
in running (or working) order
a functional set of brakes
a surgical appendix
a surgical procedure
operative dentistry
the operative word