Read the dictionary definition of operative. All definitions for this word.
1. someone who can be employed as a detective to collect information
2. a person secretly employed in espionage for a government
3. being in force or having or exerting force
1. operative regulations
2. the major tendencies operative in the American political system
4. (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing
1. in running (or working) order
2. a functional set of brakes
5. relating to or requiring or amenable to treatment by surgery especially as opposed to medicine
1. a surgical appendix
2. a surgical procedure
3. operative dentistry
6. effective; producing a desired effect
1. the operative word
