rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryRoot: -ativus
Latin

-ativus

having a tendency or connection with an action

Forms

  • -ativus
  • -ative — The Latin ending shortened in later languages.

Origin

Latin combined material from verbs in -are with the descriptive ending -ivus.

Note

It usually describes a tendency or relation rather than naming an action itself.

14 / 17
A succulent leaf resting on soil produces tiny roots and a new plantlet at its base.
adjective

regenerative

rih-JEN-er-uh-tiv/rɪˈdʒenərətɪv/

Able or designed to restore what is damaged or depleted.

Etymology
reLatinback, again; restoration or reversal
+generLatinto bring forth, produce
+ativeLatinhaving a tendency or connection with an action

The pieces describe a capacity to “bring forth again.” Early English use applied to medicines believed to make flesh grow again, a concrete example of the restoring power the adjective still conveys.

Full entry

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