Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (a.) Being in effect; acting; most important; surgical; exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as, an operative motive. 2. (a.) Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty. 3. (a.) Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery. 4. (n.) A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or manufactory.

Multi-Version Concordance Operative (2 Occurrences) Philemon 1:6 in such sort that thy participation in the faith should become operative in the acknowledgment of every good thing which is in us towards Christ Jesus. (DBY) Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and operative, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and penetrating to the division of soul and spirit, both of joints and marrow, and a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. (DBY)