Main Entry:

ac·tive

Pronunciation:

\ˈak-tiv\

Function:

adjective

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French or Latin; Anglo-French actif, from Latin activus, from actus, past participle of agere to drive, do — more at agent

Date:

14th century

1: characterized by action rather than by contemplation or speculation <an active life>2: producing or involving action or movement3 aof a verb form or voice : asserting that the person or thing represented by the grammatical subject performs the action represented by the verb <hits in “he hits the ball” is active> b: expressing action as distinct from mere existence or state4: quick in physical movement : lively5: marked by vigorous activity : busy <the stock market was active>6: requiring vigorous action or exertion <active sports>7: having practical operation or results : effective <an active law>8 a: disposed to action : energetic <took an active interest> b: engaged in an action or activity <an active club member> cof a volcano : currently erupting or likely to erupt — compare dormant 2a, extinct 1b d: characterized by emission of large amounts of electromagnetic energy <an active galactic nucleus>9: engaged in full-time service especially in the armed forces <active duty>10: marked by present operation, transaction, movement, or use <an active account>11 a: capable of acting or reacting : reacting readily <active nitrogen> <active ingredients> b: tending to progress or to cause degeneration <active tuberculosis> cof an electronic circuit element : capable of controlling voltages or currents d (1): requiring the expenditure of energy <active calcium ion uptake> (2): functioning by the emission of radiant energy or sound <radar is an active sensor>12: still eligible to win the pot in poker13: moving down the line : visiting in the set —used of couples in contredanses or square dances

— active noun

— ac·tive·ly adverb

— ac·tive·ness noun