Definitions for operative

• Definition
• Anagrams (416)

operative op·er·a·tive

Spelling: [op-er-uh-tiv, op-ruh-tiv, Operative is a 9 letter English word. It's valid Scrabble word worth 14 points. It's valid Words with friends word worth 16 points.

You can make 416 anagrams from letters in operative (aeeioprtv).

Definitions for operative

noun

1. a person engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, especially productive or industrial work; worker.
2. a detective.
3. a secret agent; spy.

adjective

1. operating, or exerting force, power, or influence.
2. having force; being in effect or operation:
3. effective or efficacious.
4. engaged in, concerned with, or pertaining to work or productive activity.
5. significant; key: .
6. Medicine/Medical. concerned with, involving, or pertaining to surgical operations.

Origin of operative

1590-1600; Middle French operatif Latin operāt(us) (see operate) + Middle French -if -ive

Examples for operative

He then went to Karazin as signalman and operative in the railway works.

Make way not for ducklings but for relentless darkness: so the operative mantra goes.

And McCrum, whose investigation led to the indictment, is no Democratic operative.

Her father, an operative gardener, removed in 1842 to Torwoodlee, Roxburghshire.

However, one prominent Iowa Democratic operative was left shaking his head at the mailer.

“It seems to me that the operative questions are political and strategic, not legal,” said the former administration official.

Blaine demanded, curtly, when the operative paused at length.

The Spirit of God was operative so far as the unbelief of men permitted.

When the operative had withdrawn, the detective turned to Ramon.

“That was a good sign,” said one operative helping to lay the groundwork for a Hillary run.