Definition of: effective

(i·fek′tiv) adjective
1. Producing, or adapted to produce, an effect; efficient.
2. Impressive; moving, as oratory.
3. In force, as a law.
4. Ready, as an army.
—noun
1. One who is fit for duty.
2. The number of men available for active service: a war effective of 250,000.
3. That which effects; a cause.
4. Silver or gold currency, as distinguished from paper; coin. See synonyms under EFFICIENT, POWERFUL.
—ef·fec′tive·ly adverb
—ef·fec′tive·ness noun