operative

op-er-a-tive · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (noun) A worker, especially a skilled worker in a manufacturing industry.

  2. 2.

    (noun) A secret agent or spy; someone who carries out covert activities.

  3. 3.

    (adjective) Functioning; having effect or force.

  4. 4.

    (adjective) Relating to or involving surgery.

Forms

plural: operatives

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    the operative word — the most significant or important word in a phrase
  • •
    become operative — to come into effect

Related words

Antonyms: inactive, inoperative
See also: agent, operation, operator, spy
Synonyms: agent, spy, worker

Etymology

From Late Latin operativus ("creative, formative"), from Latin operari ("to work").