The extent to which a system or device is operable.

(transitive or intransitive) To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.

An operative person or thing. / (psychology) Any of a class of behaviors that produce consequences by operating (i.e., acting) upon the environment.

One who operates. / A telecommunications facilitator whose job is to establish temporary network connections.

That operates to produce an effect.

plural of operative

In operation; that operates. / Involved in an operation.

present participle and gerund of operate

An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill. / A spy, secret agent, or detective. / A participant in an operation.

Effectual or important. / Functional, in working order. / Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects.