Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Portative
Por′ta-tive
,Adj.
[Cf. F.
portatif
.] 1.
Portable.
[Obs.]
2.
(Physics)
Capable of holding up or carrying;
as, the
. portative
force of a magnet, of atmospheric pressure, or of capillarityWebster 1828 Edition
Portative
PORTATIVE
,Adj.
Definition 2024
portative
portative
English
Adjective
portative (comparative more portative, superlative most portative)
- (now rare) Portable. [from 14th c.]
- c. 1385, William Langland, Piers Plowman, I:
- Was neuere leef vpon lynde · liȝter þer-after / And portatyf and persant · as þe poynt of a nedle.
- c. 1385, William Langland, Piers Plowman, I:
- (obsolete) Capable of holding up or carrying. [15th-19th c.]
- the portative force of a magnet, of atmospheric pressure, or of capillarity
Derived terms
Noun
portative (plural portatives)
- (now chiefly historical) A portative organ.