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Synonyms
op·er·a·tive (ŏṕər-ə-tĭv, -ə-rā́tĭv, ŏṕrə-)

adjective 

  1. Being in effect; having force; operating: “Two major tendencies are operative in the American political system” (Heinz Eulau)
  2. Functioning effectively; efficient.
  3. Engaged in or concerned with physical or mechanical activity.
  4. Of, relating to, or resulting from a surgical operation.
  5. Significant; most important; key: The operative word is “low-fat.”

noun 

  1. A skilled worker, especially in industry.
    1. A secret agent; a spy.
    2. A private investigator.
  3. One who works for a political organization, often wielding influence out of public view.

derivatives

oṕer·a·tive·ly
adverb