elective(n = noun.act) elective course - a course that the student can select from among alternatives;
is a kind of class, course, course of instruction, course of study
1. elective(a = adj.all) elected - subject to popular election; "elective official"
Antonym: appointive
Derived form verb elect1
2. elective(s = adj.all) - not compulsory; "elective surgery"; "an elective course of study"
Derived form verb elect2
1. Exerting the power of choice; selecting; as, an elective act. [1913 Webster]
2. Pertaining to, or consisting in, choice, or right of choosing; electoral. [1913 Webster]
"The independent use of their elective franchise." [1913 Webster]
3. Bestowed or passing by election; as, an elective office. [1913 Webster]
"Kings of Rome were at first elective; . . . for such are the conditions of an elective kingdom." [1913 Webster]
4. Dependent on choice; that can be refused; as, an elective college course. Opposite of
In an American college, an optional study or course of study; a course that is not required. [1913 Webster]
elective, adj. & n.
--adj.
1 a (of an office or its holder) filled or appointed by election. b (of authority) derived from election.
2 (of a body) having the power to elect.
3 having a tendency to act on or be concerned with some things rather than others (elective affinity).
4 (of a course of study) chosen by the student; optional.
5 (of a surgical operation etc.) optional; not urgently necessary.
--n. US an elective course of study.
Derivative:
electively adv.
Etymology:
F {eacute}lectif -ive f. LL electivus (as ELECT)