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operative

Definition of operative

1functioning or having effect:the transmitter is operative the mining ban would remain operative
[attributive] (of a word) having the most significance in a phrase or sentence:I was madly—the operative word—in love

1a worker, especially one in a manufacturing industry: the operatives clean the machines at the end of every shift

2chiefly North American a secret agent or private detective: a CIA operative

Derivatives

late Middle English: from late Latin operativus, from Latin operat- 'done by labour', from the verb operari (see operate)

Definition of operative in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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