Causes. Acute liver failure is most often caused by infectious agents or toxins, poor flow of fluids into the liver and surrounding tissues (perfusion), hypoxia (inability to breathe), drugs or chemicals that are destructive to the liver (hepatotoxic), and excess exposure to heat.
Definition of operate for English Language Learners. : 1  to function or behave in a proper or particular way. : 2  to use and control (something) : 3  to have control of (something, such as a business, department, program, etc.)
adjective. The definition of operative is in force, functioning or having control, or refers to something that has the most significance or the greatest importance. 1  When a new solar-powered car is now functioning and runs successfully, this is an example of a situation where the car is operative. When a law is in place banning watering your lawn, this is an example of a time when the water ban is operative. 2  When you want to emphasize that someone is reallyvery wealthy, this is an example of a situation where you might say the operative word is rich..