al·lu·sive \-siv, -sēv also -z- or -əv\adjective Etymology: Latin allusus (past participle of alludere to allude) + English -ive — more at allude 1.archaic: figurative, symbolical 2. a.: of, having the character of, or marked by allusion b.: containing allusions < allusive writing > 3.: punning • al·lu·sive·lyadverb • al·lu·sive·nessnoun-es