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Definition of Operative in English :

Define Operative in English

Operative meaning in English

Meaning of Operative in English

Pronunciation of Operative in English

Operative pronunciation in English

Pronounce Operative in English

Operative

see synonyms of operative

Noun

1. intelligence agent, intelligence officer, operative, secret agent

a person secretly employed in espionage for a government

2. operative, pi, private detective, private eye, private investigator, shamus, sherlock

someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information

Adjective

3. operative

being in force or having or exerting force

Example Sentences:
'operative regulations'
'the major tendencies operative in the American political system'

4. operative, surgical

relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine

Example Sentences:
'a surgical appendix'
'a surgical procedure'
'operative dentistry'

5. operative

effective; producing a desired effect

Example Sentences:
'the operative word'

6. functional, operative, running, working

(of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing

Example Sentences:
'in running (or working) order'
'a functional set of brakes'

WordNet Lexical Database for English. Princeton University. 2010.

Operative

see synonyms of operative
adjective
1. 
in force, effect, or operation
2. 
exerting force or influence
3. 
producing a desired effect; significant
the operative word
4. 
of or relating to a surgical procedure
noun
5. 
a worker, esp one with a special skill
6. US
a private detective

Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers

Operative

see synonyms of operative
adjective
1. 
capable of, characterized by, or in operation
2. 
a. 
accomplishing what is desired; effective
b. 
of primary importance; key; essential
the operative word in a sentence
3. 
connected with physical work or mechanical action
4.  Surgery
of or resulting from a surgical operation
noun
5. 
a worker, esp. one skilled in industrial work
6.  US
a detective or spy

Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.

Operative

see synonyms of operative
adj.
1. Being in effect; having force; operating: "Two major tendencies are operative in the American political system" (Heinz Eulau).
2. Functioning effectively; efficient.
3. Engaged in or concerned with physical or mechanical activity.
4. Of, relating to, or resulting from a surgical operation.
5. Significant; most important; key: The operative word is "low-fat."
n.
1. A skilled worker, especially in industry.
2.
a. A secret agent; a spy.
b. A private investigator.
3. One who works for a political organization, often wielding influence out of public view.

The American Heritage ® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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