The word invasive (/ɪnˈveɪsɪv/) is spelled with the prefix "in-" meaning "inside" or "into", and the root word "vasive" which comes from the Latin word "vas" meaning "to go". Phonetically, the stress is on the second syllable, pronounced "vay". The spelling reflects the pronunciation with the "s" indicating the "s" sound and the "e" at the end making the "v" sound "soft". Invasive refers to anything that spreads or enters aggressively into a new territory, especially in a harmful or destructive way.
The term "invasive" is an adjective used to describe something that infiltrates, spreads, or encroaches upon a space, environment, or organism without authorization or permission. It refers to an action, organism, or idea that invades or intrudes into an area where it is not naturally found or belongs. In the context of ecology, it is commonly used to describe non-native or non-indigenous species that aggressively establish themselves in a new habitat, often causing harm to the local ecosystem.
Invasive species can be harmful as they often outcompete native species for resources and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem. These species can reproduce rapidly, dominate the available resources, and potentially drive native species to extinction. Examples of invasive species include plants such as kudzu or animals such as the cane toad.
Apart from ecological contexts, "invasive" can describe medical procedures that necessitate entry into the body, particularly through incision, puncture, or insertion of instruments or substances. Invasive medical techniques typically involve accessing internal organs or structures to diagnose, treat, or perform surgical procedures.
Overall, "invasive" is a versatile term that signifies unwelcome intrusion, whether that be in the form of non-native flora and fauna disrupting natural ecosystems or medical procedures that penetrate the body to accomplish a particular goal.
• Entering with hostile designs; aggressive.
• See invade.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word invasive has its origin in the Latin term invasivus, which itself comes from the verb invadere, meaning to go into or to invade. The Latin term is formed by combining the prefix in, indicating movement or direction, and the verb vadere, meaning to go. Over time, invasivus entered Middle English as invasif and eventually evolved into the modern-day word invasive.