Hypertext Webster Gateway: "efficient"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Efficient \Ef*fi"cient\, a. [L. efficiens, -entis, p. pr. of
efficere to effect: cf. F. efficient. See {Effect}, n.]
Causing effects; producing results; that makes the effect to
be what it is; actively operative; not inactive, slack, or
incapable; characterized by energetic and useful activity;
as, an efficient officer, power.
The efficient cause is the working cause. --Wilson.
Syn: Effective; effectual; competent; able; capable;
material; potent.
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Efficient \Ef*fi"cient\, n.
An efficient cause; a prime mover.
God . . . moveth mere natural agents as an efficient
only. --Hooker.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
efficient
adj 1: being effective without wasting time or effort or expense;
"an efficient production manager"; "efficient engines
save gas" [ant: {inefficient}]
2: able to accomplish a purpose; functioning effectively;
"people who will do nothing unless they get something out
of it for themselves are often highly effective
persons..."-G.B.Shaw; "effective personnel"; "an efficient
secretary"; "the efficient cause of the revolution" [syn:
{effective}]
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