Operative — Defs

01 a. Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative motive; operati…

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.” — South.
2.
Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; effective; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty.
3.
Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery.(Surg.)

02 n. A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.

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.