Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative motive. It holds in all operative principles. South.
Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty.
Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery.
A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.
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