ŏp'er-a-tīve1, a.
a. [Fr. opératif, Sp. & It. operativo.] 1. Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects. It holds in all operative principles, especially in morality. South. 2. Efficient in work; producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious. “That in actions of religion we be zealous, active, and operative, so far as prudence will permit.” Bp. Taylor.