Definition

Not involving or requiring a surgical procedure.

Example

The doctor recommended a nonoperative treatment for the injury.

Conversation

I heard your knee injury doesn't require surgery, right?

Yeah, my doctor said it's nonoperative this time.

That's a relief! I can't imagine going through surgery.

Exactly! I'm just following some physical therapy instead.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Nonoperative → It is formed from "non-" (meaning not) and "operari" (meaning to work or operate). The word "nonoperative" means not functioning or not working.

Memory Tip

Think of 'not' ('non-') and 'working' ('operari') to remember that 'nonoperative' describes something that is not functioning.

Visually Confused Words