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 movement
3 a of 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 state
4 : quick in physical movement : lively
5 : 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> c of 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> c of 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 poker
13 : 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