\Ro"ta*tive\, a. [Cf. F. rotatif.]
turning, as a wheel; rotary; rotational.
      This high rotative velocity of the sun must cause an
      equatorial rise of the solar atmosphere. --Siemens.
{Rotative engine}, a steam engine in which the reciprocating
   motion of the piston is transformed into a continuous
   rotary motion, as by means of a connecting rod, a working
   beam and crank, or an oscillating cylinder.