The meaning of OPERATIVE is producing an appropriate effect : efficacious. How to use operative in a sentence.

OPERATIVE definition: a person engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, especially productive or industrial work; worker. See examples of operative used in a sentence.

OPERATIVE meaning: 1. a worker, especially one who is skilled in working with their hands: 2. a person who works…. Learn more.

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 …

As an adjective, operative can mean that something is working, as in "an operative car alarm." Finally, operative can mean "the most important or effective word."

A system or service that is operative is working or having an effect. The commercial telephone service was no longer operative. An operative is a worker, especially one who does work with their hands. In …

There are 12 meanings listed in OED's entry for the word operative, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.