Im"i*ta*tive , n. (Gram.) A verb expressive of imitation or resemblance. [R.]
Im"i*ta*tive (?), a. [L. imitavitus: cf. F.
imitatif.]
1. Inclined to imitate, copy, or follow; imitating; exhibiting
some of the
qualities or characteristics of a pattern or
model; dependent on example; not original; as, man is an imitative being; painting is an imitative art.
2. Formed after a model, pattern, or original.
This temple,
less in form, with equal grace,
Was imitative of the first
in Thrace.
Dryden.
3. (Nat. Hist.) Designed to imitate another species of animal, or a plant, or inanimate object, for some useful purpose, such as protection from enemies; having resemblance to something else; as, imitative colors; imitative habits; dendritic and mammillary forms of minerals
are imitative.
-- Im"i*ta*tive*ly, adv. -- Im"i*ta*tive*ness, n.
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