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 resamblance 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.
© Webster 1913.
Im"i*ta*tive, n. Gram.
A verb expressive of imitation or resemblance.
[R.]
© Webster 1913.