GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Operative (?), a. [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 laws”.
   
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   It holds in all operative principles. South.
   
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   2. Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; effective; as, “an operative dose, rule, or penalty”.
   
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   3. (Surg.) Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, “operative surgery”.
   
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2.       
   Operative, n.
   1. A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.
   
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   2. One who acts as an agent of another, especially a detective or spy.
   
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