portative

[ pawr-tuh-tiv, pohr- ]

adjective

1. capable of being carried; portable.
2. having or pertaining to the power or function of carrying.

noun

1. Also called portative organ. a small portable pipe organ used especially during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.

portative

/ ˈpɔːtətɪv /

adjective

1. a less common word for portable
2. concerned with the act of carrying

Word History and Origins

Origin of portative¹

1350–1400; Middle English portatif < Middle French. See port ⁵, -ative

Word History and Origins

Origin of portative¹

C14: from French, from Latin portāre to carry

Example Sentences

Leading from a portative keyboard in front of the orchestra, he brought a beautifully blended sound from the 16 voices of the chorus, rich in dynamic variety and always sensitive to Bach’s piquant dissonances.

From Washington Post

The largest musical instrument depicted in the Gubbio paneling is a portative organ, just to the right of the door, and the different lengths of the organ’s pipes are clear reminders of the link between the measured proportions and the musical harmonies that the instrument produces when played.

From Scientific American

Kahane conducted from an inaudible harpsichord and, in the middle section, a barely audible portative organ.

From Los Angeles Times

They stopped, with an unexpected grace-note on the portative, and Lancelot said: “Your voice is good. I’m afraid mine is getting rusty.”

From Literature

Kent Tritle, who conducts three “Messiah” performances with two different choruses at Carnegie Hall next week, was a comforting presence at the portative organ; Philip Smith handled trumpet solos with blazing assurance.

From New York Times

Related Words

• compact
• convenient
• handy
• lightweight