1. Relating to, or effected by means of an operation. 2. Active or effective.
* * *
op·er·a·tive 'äp-(ə-)rət-iv, 'äp-ə-.rāt- adj of, relating to, involving, or resulting from an operation <\operative treatment> <\operative mortality rates>
* * *
op·er·a·tive (opґər-ə-tiv) [L. operativus] 1. pertaining to an operation. 2. effective; not inert.Medical dictionary. 2011.