Operative
Operative , adjective
[CompareL. operativus, French opératif.]
1.
Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative motive; operative laws.
It holds in all operative principles.
2.
Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; effective; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty.
3.
(Surgery) Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery.
Operative , noun
1.
A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.
2.
One who acts as an agent of another, especially a detective or spy.