Definition of 'operative'

Noun

1. a person secretly employed in espionage for a government
      Synonyms: secret agent intelligence officer intelligence agent
2. someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information
      Synonyms: private detective PI private eye private investigator shamus sherlock

Adjective

1. being in force or having or exerting force; "operative regulations"; "the major tendencies operative in the American political system"
      Antonyms: inoperative
2. of or relating to a surgical operation; "operative surgery"
3. relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine; "a surgical appendix"; "a surgical procedure"; "operative dentistry"
      Synonyms: surgical
      Antonyms: medical
4. effective; producing a desired effect; "the operative word"
      Synonyms: key
5. (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing; "in running (or working) order"; "a functional set of brakes"
      Synonyms: running functional working

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