operative

comparative more operative · superlative most operative

1. Effectual or important.

   He's usually in a good mood — the operative word there being "usually". Today was a disaster.

2. Functional, in working order.
3. Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects.

   an operative motive

   2 more examples

   It holds in all operative principles.

   1692–1717, Robert South, Twelve Sermons Preached upon Several Occasions, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London

   This call is operative not merely on the level of abstract theory.

   1988 April 2, Phillip Brian Harper, “Lesbians and gay men of color, speak out!”, in Gay Community News, page 9

4. Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious.

   an operative dose, rule, or penalty

5. Based upon, or consisting of, a surgical operation or operations.

   operative surgery

plural operatives

1. An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill.

   Practically 50 per cent of the female operatives are found in the two groups aged 15 to 19 and 20 to 24 years, while only 18.2 per cent of the female nonoperatives are found in these age groups.

   1916, Women in industry series, United States. Bureau of Labor Statistics, page 366

2. A spy, secret agent, or detective.
3. A participant in an operation.