Op"er*a*tive (?), a. [Cf.L.
operativus, F. opératif.] 1.
Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or
moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative
motive.
It holds in all operative
principles.
South.
2. Producing the appropriate or designed
effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or
penalty.
3. (Surg.) Based upon, or consisting
of, an operation or operations; as, operative
surgery.
Op"er*a*tive, n. A skilled worker;
an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or
manufactory.