op•er•a•tiveˈɒp ər ə tɪv, ˈɒp rə tɪv, ˈɒp əˌreɪ tɪv(n.)

1. a person engaged or skilled in some branch of work, esp. productive or industrial work; worker.

2. Ref: detective

3. a secret agent; spy.

4. a clever manipulator; operator.

   Category: Government

5. (adj.)operating, or exerting force or influence.

6. being in effect or operation.

7. effective or efficacious.

8. significant; key.

   Category: Common Vocabulary

9. concerned with, involving, or pertaining to surgical operations.

   Category: Medicine, Surgery

Origin of operative:

1590–1600; < MF operatif

op′er•a•tive•ly(adv.)