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Definition of "invasive" []

  • Of, engaging in, or given to armed aggression: an invasive military force. (adjective)
  • Marked by the tendency to spread, especially into healthy tissue: an invasive carcinoma. (adjective)
  • Of or relating to a medical procedure in which a part of the body is entered, as by puncture or incision. (adjective)
  • Tending to intrude or encroach, as upon privacy. (adjective)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Use "invasive" in a sentence
  • "The catch is, is that the term invasive is often used not too discriminately."
  • "Currently, in the United States and in most parts of the world, the term invasive is supposed to be used - or is typically used to refer to a non-native species that is causing harm of some sort."
  • "Alaska state rep objects to airport search demand An Alaska state lawmaker is making her way back to the state capital of Juneau after refusing what she called an invasive pat-down search at a Seattle airport."