Elective — Defs

01 a. Exerting the power of choice; selecting; as, an elective act.

1.
Exerting the power of choice; selecting; as, an elective act.
2.
Pertaining to, or consisting in, choice, or right of choosing; electoral.
“The independent use of their elective franchise.” — Bancroft.
3.
Bestowed or passing by election; as, an elective office.
“Kings of Rome were at first elective; . . . for such are the conditions of an elective kingdom.” — Dryden.
4.
Dependent on choice; that can be refused; as, an elective college course. Opposite of required or mandatory.

Phrases & compounds

Elective affinity — a tendency to unite with certain things; chemism.

02 n. In an American college, an optional study or course of study; a course that is not required.

1.
In an American college, an optional study or course of study; a course that is not required.[Colloq.]