- a person engaged, employed, or skilled in some branch of work, especially productive or industrial work; worker.
- a detective.
- a secret agent; spy.
- operating, or exerting force, power, or influence.
- having force; being in effect or operation: laws operative in this city.
- effective or efficacious.
- engaged in, concerned with, or pertaining to work or productive activity.
- significant; key: The operative word in that sentence is “sometimes.”
- concerned with, involving, or pertaining to surgical operations.
- in force, effect, or operation
- exerting force or influence
- producing a desired effect; significant
- of or relating to a surgical procedure
- a worker, esp one with a special skill
- a private detective
