operative
adjective
1. being in force or having or exerting force
- operative regulations
- the major tendencies operative in the American political system
Similar word(s): operant, effective, good, operating, operational, working
2. relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine
- operative dentistry
Similar word(s): preoperative, postoperative, surgical
3. effective; producing a desired effect
- the operative word
Similar word(s): important, significant
4. (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing
Similar word(s): functioning, functional, running, working
Sentences with operative as an adjective:
- He's usually in a good mood — the operative word there being "usually". Today was a disaster.
- an operative motive
- an operative dose, rule, or penalty
- operative surgery