AU, UK /məˈnɪp.jə.lə.tɪv/ · US /məˈnɪp.jə.leɪ.tɪv/
Etymology From manipulate + -ive.
1
Using manipulation purposefully.
As in much of biology, the most satisfying truths in ecology derive from manipulative experimentation. Tinker with nature and quantify how it responds.2012 January 23, Robert M. Pringle, “How to Be Manipulative”, in American Scientist, volume 100, number 1, archived from the original on 03 Oct 2013, page 31:
2
Tending to manipulate.
3
Derogatory Reaching one's goals at the expense of other people by using them.
Mathematics, Sciences A manipulable object designed to demonstrate a mathematical concept.
Some children need manipulatives to learn math basics, Dr. Clements said, but only as a starting point.2008 April 25, Kenneth Chang, “Study Suggests Math Teachers Scrap Balls and Slices”, in New York Times: