: tending to spread especially in a quick or aggressive manner: such as
a
of a non-native organism: growing and dispersing easily usually to the detriment of native species and ecosystems
It will be the second Australian insect released to thwart melaleuca, one of many exponentially spreading invasive plants that out-compete native Florida species, monopolizing wetlands and natural areas. Neil Santaniello
Scientists say more than 150 invasive species have entered the Great Lakes, multiplying rapidly and feeding on native species or outcompeting with them for food. Sophia Taren
b(1)
of cancer cells: tending to infiltrate surrounding healthy tissue
… this procedure preserves the architecture of the tissue sample, which is vital for determining whether tumor cells are invasive. Andrew A. Skolnick
(2)
of a pathogenic microorganism or disease: disseminating from a localized area throughout the body
sepsis association with invasive bacteria
invasive streptococcal infection
2
: involving entry into the living body (as by incision or by insertion of an instrument)
invasive diagnostic techniques
3
: of, relating to, or characterized by military aggression
: an organism that is not native to the place where found and tends to grow and spread easily usually to the detriment of native species and ecosystems
Zebra mussels are the latest in a series of aquatic invasives to threaten Texas' inland waters. Shannon Tompkins
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The alewife, another invasive species, then overpopulated the lake and spoiled beaches in massive die-offs through the 1950s and 60s. Paul A. Smith, Journal Sentinel, 11 Sep. 2022 Spotted lanternfly bugs have increasingly become an issue for homeowners over the last few years, but the 2022 breeding season is gearing up to make this invasive species more of a national crisis. Zee Krstic, Good Housekeeping, 11 Sep. 2022 An invasive species, lampreys have decimated game species in the Great Lakes. Bill Laitner, Detroit Free Press, 10 Sep. 2022 Kim Kalosky, a resource specialist with the Forest Preserves of Cook County, worries that the arrival of this invasive species will impact quality of life in other ways, too. Beth Botts, Chicago Tribune, 8 Sep. 2022 Typically, invasive species offer minimal wildlife benefits while displacing native species that would support a wider network of interconnected organisms. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 8 Sep. 2022 To prevent bringing in aquatic invasive species (AIS), all watercraft must pass inspection. Katie Jackson, Outside Online, 6 Sep. 2022 Like many invasive species, green crabs are likely benefiting from climate change, which often facilitates invasions. Evan Bush, NBC News, 6 Sep. 2022 The work there included stabilizing the streambank, enhancing native vegetation and removing invasive species. Tom Sissom, Arkansas Online, 4 Sep. 2022
Noun
It was introduced to the U.S. in the 1870s, but escaped gardens and is now classified as an invasive in the mid-Atlantic states. Leanne Potts, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Oct. 2021 Also avoid porcelainberry, which is poisonous and a foreign invasive. Ellen Nibali, baltimoresun.com, 19 Nov. 2020 See More
Word History
Etymology
Adjective
earlier, "attacking, offensive," going back to Middle English invasif "offensive (of weapons)," borrowed from Middle French and Medieval Latin; Middle French, borrowed from Medieval Latin invāsīvus, from Latin invāsus, past participle of invādere "to enter with hostile intent, assault, attack" + -īvus-ive — more at invade