First Known Use: 1611
Dictionary
retroactive
adjective ret·ro·ac·tive \-ˈak-tiv\
: effective from a particular date in the past
Full Definition of RETROACTIVE
: extending in scope or effect to a prior time or to conditions that existed or originated in the past; especially : made effective as of a date prior to enactment, promulgation, or imposition <retroactive tax>
— ret·ro·ac·tive·ly adverb
— ret·ro·ac·tiv·i·ty \-ˌak-ˈti-və-tē\ noun
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Origin of RETROACTIVE
French rétroactif, from Latin retroactus, past participle of retroagere to drive back, reverse, from retro- + agere to drive — more at agent
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Rhymes with RETROACTIVE
Medical Dictionary
retroactive
adjective ret·ro·ac·tive \ˌre-trō-ˈak-tiv\
Medical Definition of RETROACTIVE
: having relation or reference to or efficacy in a prior time; specifically : relating to, caused by, or being obliteration of the results of learning by immediately subsequent activity <retroactive inhibition>
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