Op″er‐a‐tive (?), a. [Cf.L. operativus, F. opératif.] 1. Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative motive.
It holds in all operative principles. South.
2. Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty.
3. (Surg.) Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery.