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.
Im"i*ta*tive, n. (Gram.) A
verb expressive of imitation or resemblance. [R.]
