facultative meaning and definition

FACULTATIVE adjective

Definition of facultative (adjective)

1. of or relating to the mental faculties
2. able to exist under more than one set of conditions
   • "a facultative parasite can exist as a parasite or a saprophyte"
   • antonym: obligate
3. granting a privilege or permission or power to do or not do something
   • "a facultative enactment"
4. not compulsory
   • "facultative courses in the sciences"