re·cu·per·a·tive \rə̇ˈk(y)üpəˌrā]d.]iv, -p(ə)rə], ]t], ]ēv also ]əv\adjective Etymology: Late Latin recuperativus recoverable, from recuperatus + Latin -ivus -ive 1.: of or relating to recuperation : tending to recovery : restorative : having the power of recuperating < recuperative powers > < strongly recuperative remedies > 2.: having a recuperator < a recuperative furnace > • re·cu·per·a·tive·nessnoun-es