If something is generative, it is capable of producing something or causing it to develop.
[formal]
...the generative power of the sun.
2. adjective [ADJECTIVE noun]
In linguistics, generative is used to describe linguistic theories or models which are based on the idea that a single set of rules can explain how all the possible sentences of a language are formed.
[technical]
generative in British English
(ˈdʒɛnərətɪv)
adjective
1.
of or relating to the production of offspring, parts, etc
a generative cell
2.
capable of producing or originating
generative in American English
(ˈdʒɛnərˌeɪtɪv; ˈdʒɛnərətɪv)
adjective
1.
of the production of offspring; procreative
2.
having the power of producing or originating
3. US
of or characteristic of generative grammar
Word origin
ME generatif
Examples of 'generative' in a sentence
generative
It is highly cash generative and income is growing.