C1adjectivenatureenvironment
US/ɪnˈveɪ.sɪv/
UK/ɪnˈveɪ.sɪv/
spreading quickly into new areas and causing harm; also involving cutting into the body
In context
The golden apple snail is an invasive species that destroys rice crops.
Water hyacinth is so invasive that it can block a whole canal in weeks.
Keyhole surgery is less invasive, so patients recover faster.
Words that go with invasive
adjective + noun
- invasive speciesInvasive species are a leading cause of extinction on islands.
- invasive plantsVolunteers pull out invasive plants from the wetland every spring.
- invasive surgeryDoctors want to avoid invasive surgery if possible.
- invasive weedsGoats were brought in to eat the invasive weeds.
adverb + adjective
- highly invasiveThe fish is highly invasive and eats the eggs of local species.
- minimally invasiveMinimally invasive surgery leaves only small scars.