The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 10 letter word FUNCTIONAL
I've seen this crossword clue in Financial Times
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More clues leading to the result FUNCTIONAL
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Operative" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case operative = functional.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does FUNCTIONAL mean?
FUNCTIONAL noun- A function that takes a function as its argument; More precisely: A function y=f(x) whose argument x varies in a space of (real valued, complex valued) functions and whose value belongs to a monodimensional space. An example: the definite integration of integrable real functions in a real interval.
- A scalar-valued linear function on a vector space.
- An object encapsulating a function pointer (or equivalent).
- In good working order.
- Useful; serving a purpose, fulfilling a function
- Only for functional purposes, notably in architecture
- Having semantics defined purely in terms of mathematical functions, without side-effects.
- Of a disease, such that its symptoms cannot be referred to any appreciable lesion or change of structure; opposed to organic disease, in which the organ itself is affected.