nonoperative
|non-op-er-a-tive|
🇺🇸
/ˌnɑːnˈɑːpərətɪv/
🇬🇧
/ˌnɒnˈɒpərətɪv/
not operating / not involving an operation
Etymology
'nonoperative' originates from the negative prefix 'non-' (from Latin 'non', meaning 'not') combined with 'operative' (from Latin 'operativus', related to 'operari' meaning 'to work' or 'to operate').
'operative' came into English via Latin 'operativus' and Old French (e.g. 'operatif'), becoming Middle English 'operative'; the prefix 'non-' was later attached in English to form 'nonoperative' (literally 'not operative').
Initially the elements meant 'not' + 'working/operating'. Over time the compound retained the 'not functioning' sense and also developed a medical sense meaning 'not involving surgery' (non-surgical).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
not functioning or not in operation; inactive.
The nonoperative machine was taken out of service until repairs could be made.
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Adjective 2
not involving surgery; non-surgical (often used of treatment or management).
He received nonoperative treatment for his back pain instead of surgery.
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Last updated: 2025/12/17 04:02