invasive
adjective
in·va·sive
| \ in-ˈvā-siv
, -ziv\
, -ziv\
Definition of invasive
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: tending to spread especially in a quick or aggressive manner: such as
a
of a nonnative organism
: growing and dispersing easily usually to the detriment of native species and ecosystems
It will be the second Australian insect released to thwart melaleuca, one of many exponentially spreading invasive plants that out-compete native Florida species, monopolizing wetlands and natural areas.— Neil Santaniello Scientists say more than 150 invasive species have entered the Great Lakes, multiplying rapidly and feeding on native species or outcompeting with them for food.— Sophia Taren
b(1)
of cancer cells
: tending to infiltrate surrounding healthy tissue
… this procedure preserves the architecture of the tissue sample, which is vital for determining whether tumor cells are invasive.— Andrew A. Skolnick
(2)
of a pathogenic microorganism or disease
: disseminating from a localized area throughout the body
sepsis association with invasive bacteria invasive streptococcal infection
2
: involving entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument)
invasive diagnostic techniques
3
: of, relating to, or characterized by military aggression
4
: tending to infringe
invasive
nounDefinition of invasive (Entry 2 of 2)
: an organism that is not native to the place where found and tends to grow and spread easily usually to the detriment of native species and ecosystems
Zebra mussels are the latest in a series of aquatic invasives to threaten Texas' inland waters.— Shannon Tompkins
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Examples of invasive in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective
Another minimally invasive procedure that has shown some benefit for chronic knee pain after surgery is the use of dorsal root ganglion, or DRG, stimulation. — Markus Bendel, sun-sentinel.com, "Although uncommon, some people have pain even after knee replacement surgery," 14 Aug. 2019 AdventHealth Celebration has brought on board the da Vinci SP surgical robot, which requires only one incision for minimally invasive procedures. — Naseem S. Miller, orlandosentinel.com, "Health briefs: AdventHealth, arts center get grant for patient-caregiver study," 29 June 2019 After having a non-invasive procedure last summer on his left knee, Iguodala had a career low this season in points (5.7) and playing time (23.2). — Mark Medina, The Mercury News, "Exclusive: Andre Iguodala on Kevin Durant and Klay Thompson," 27 June 2019 Whatever your personal opinion is on injectables like Botox and dermal fillers, these minimally invasive cosmetics procedures are increasingly discussed on public platforms. — Glamour, "8 Things You Should Know Before Getting Injectibles," 10 Apr. 2019 Just two weeks ago, Centeno Santos received a new heart valve through a non-invasive procedure at Osceola Regional Medical Center. — Maria Elena Vizcaino, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Puerto Rican evacuee is 100th patient for new procedure at Osceola Regional: 'Now I can live longer'," 3 July 2018 Noble again underwent surgery to remove the skin cancer — but this time, the procedure was more invasive, requiring the surgeon to remove more layers of her skin than before. — Fox News, "Ex-cheerleader's skin cancer left her with graphic, gaping hole in head," 25 July 2019 All references indicate dame's rocket (Hesperis matronalis) is invasive. — Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp, Indianapolis Star, "The Hoosier Gardener: Common problems challenge gardeners," 25 July 2019 Yes iguanas are invasive and Florida Fish and Wildlife officials posted guidelines that suggested the public should get rid of them, but the manner in which the public took the message has prompted FWC to clarify its stance. — Richard Tribou, orlandosentinel.com, "Dial back the ‘wild west’ iguana hunting, Florida wildlife officials say," 11 July 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'invasive.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for invasive
invasive
adjective
English Language Learners Definition of invasive
: tending to spread
medical
: involving entry into the body by cutting or by inserting an instrument
See the full definition for invasive in the English Language Learners Dictionary
invasive
adjective
in·va·sive
| \ -siv, -ziv
\
\
Medical Definition of invasive
2
: involving entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument)
invasive diagnostic techniques