invasive

1 of 2

adjective

in·​va·​sive in-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv

1

: tending to spread especially in a quick or aggressive manner: such as

a

of a non-native 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

invasiveness noun

invasive

2 of 2

noun

: 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

Examples of invasive in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

On this hike learn about the origins of invasive species, as well as their impact on native plants and animals and their habitats. —The Courier-Journal, 2 Feb. 2023

It can also be implanted with minimally invasive surgery, so doctors can deliver high doses of IL-2 directly to the tumors. —Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 25 Aug. 2022

Noun

And yet, this modest snake is one of the most destructive invasives in the world, directly responsible for the extinction of over a dozen animal species and indirectly responsible for the decline of an entire island ecosystem. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 3 Nov. 2024

Dave Schmid, of Chicago’s Beverly community, and Andi Edington, of Munster, Indiana, regularly volunteer, gathering seed and helping to clear away invasives. —Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

earlier, "attacking, offensive," going back to Middle English invasif "offensive (of weapons)," borrowed from Middle French and Medieval Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin invāsīvus, from Latin invāsus, past participle of invādere "to enter with hostile intent, assault, attack" + -īvus -ive — more at invade

Noun

derivative of invasive entry 1

First Known Use

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Noun

1990, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing invasive

• invasive species

Kids Definition

invasive

adjective

in·​va·​sive in-ˈvā-siv 

-ziv

: tending to spread

especially : tending to invade healthy tissue

invasive cancer cells

Medical Definition

invasive

adjective

in·​va·​sive -siv, -ziv 

1

: tending to spread

especially : tending to invade healthy tissue

invasive cancer cells

2

: involving entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument)

invasive diagnostic techniques

invasiveness noun