Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Operative
Op′er-a-tive
,Adj.
[Cf.L.
operativus
, F. opératif
.] 1.
Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects;
as, an
. operative
motive; operative
lawsIt holds in all
operative
principles. South.
2.
Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; effective;
as, an
. operative
dose, rule, or penalty3.
(Surg.)
Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations;
as,
. operative
surgeryOp′er-a-tive
,Noun.
1.
A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.
Webster 1828 Edition
Operative
OP'ERATIVE
,Adj.
1.
Having the power of acting; exerting force, physical or moral; having or exerting agency; active in the production of effects.In actions of religion we should be zealous, active and operative, so far as prudence will permit.
It holds in all operative principles, especially in morality.
2.
Efficacious; producing the effect.