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op·er·a·tive

(ŏpər-ə-tĭv, -ə-rā′tĭv, ŏprə-)

adj.

1. Being in effect; having force; operating: "Two major tendencies are operative in the American political system" (Heinz Eulau).

2. Functioning effectively; efficient.

3. Engaged in or concerned with physical or mechanical activity.

4. Of, relating to, or resulting from a surgical operation.

5. Significant; most important; key: The operative word is "low-fat."

1. A skilled worker, especially in industry.

a. A secret agent; a spy.

b. A private investigator.

3. One who works for a political organization, often wielding influence out of public view.

oper·a·tive·ly adv.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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