Invasive
Tending to spread aggressively into new areas or into tissues; invasive can describe organisms that overtly overtake ecosystems or medical contexts where growth extends into surrounding tissues.
adjectiveInvasive
Tending to spread aggressively into new areas or into tissues; invasive can describe organisms that overtly overtake ecosystems or medical contexts where growth extends into surrounding tissues.
adjectiveImagine This
Imagine a dense ivy creeping through a garden fence, climbing over beds and choking out native plants—an invading green that takes over every corner.
Sounds Like
in-VEY-siv
Looks Like
invade, invasion
Remember This
In biology, invasive describes species that spread aggressively and disrupt ecosystems; in medicine, invasive refers to growth or procedures that enter body tissues.
Other Forms
Connect With
intrusive, encroaching, overrun, spread, encroachment
Note
Avoid confusing invasive with intrusive (which describes behavior or personalities) or noninvasive (not entering or affecting from the outside). Use 'invasive species' or 'invasive cancer' in proper contexts.