Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

operative

1 adjective
     
Related topics: Hospital
op‧e‧ra‧tive1
1 working and able to be used [≠ inoperative]:
Only one runway is operative.
the steps to be taken before the scheme can become operative
 ➔ operational (1)
2

the operative word

used when you repeat a word from a previous sentence to draw attention to its importance:
The new system offers fast solutions. Fast being the operative word.
3MH relating to a medical operation:
patients undergoing operative procedures
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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