| 释义 |
op·er·a·tive
I. \ˈäp(ə)rə]d.]iv, ˈäpəˌrā], ]t], ]ēv also ]əv\ adjective
Etymology: Middle French operatif, from Latin operatus (past participle of operari to work) + Middle French -if -ive — more at operate
1. : producing an appropriate or designed effect : efficacious
< an operative dose >
< an operative word >
2. : having the power of acting : exerting force or influence : operating
< an operative motive >
< an operative force >
3.
a. : involving or having to do with physical operations (as of the hands or of machines
< operative arts >
< operative skills >
b. : engaged in or doing work : occupied in productive labor : working
< an operative craftsman >
< operative freemasons working at their craft >
4. : based upon or consisting of an operation or operations
< operative surgery >
< operative dentistry >
• op·er·a·tive·ly \]ə̇vlē, -li\ adverb
• op·er·a·tive·ness \]ivnə̇s, ]ēv- also ]əv-\ noun -es
II. noun
(-s)
: one that operates : operator: as
a. : a person engaged in an occupation or profession; especially : a skilled or semiskilled employee in industry (as in a mill or factory) : artisan, mechanic
< machine operatives >
< wool operatives >
b. : a secret agent : private detective |