op·er·a·tive  ( ŏp ər- ə-t ĭv, - ə-r ā′t ĭv, ŏp r ə-)
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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." n.1. A skilled worker, especially in industry. 2. 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.
oper·a·tive·ly adv. |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2020 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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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