1
- functioning; having effect运转正常的; 有效的：
the transmitter is operative
发射机工作正常
the mining ban would remain operative.
采矿禁令将继续有效。
1.1
- attrib.(of a word) having the most relevance or significance in a phrase or sentence（词）最重要的, 关键的：
I was madly-and that's the operative word-in love.
我当时疯狂地——这是关键词——陷入了恋爱之中。
2
- attrib. of or relating to surgery手术的：
they had wounds needing operative treatment.
他们受的伤需要手术治疗。
1
- a worker, especially a skilled one in a manufacturing industry（尤指制造业中的）技术工。
1.1
- a private detective or secret agent私人侦探特工人员。
派生词
operatively
adverboperativeness
noun词源
late Middle English: from late Latin operativus, from Latin operat- 'done by labour', from the verb operari （see OPERATE）.