Op"er*a*tive (?), a. [Cf.L. operativus, F. op'eratif.]
1.
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.
2.
Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty.
3. Surg.
Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery.
© Webster 1913.
Op"er*a*tive, n.
A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.
© Webster 1913.