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Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

efficient

/(ĕf*fĭsh"ent)/ · ef·fi·cient · IPA /ɪˈfɪʃənt/
01 a. Causing effects; producing results; that makes the effect to be what it is; actively operative; not inactive, slack, or incapable; characte…
  1. 1.
    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.
02 n. An efficient cause; a prime mover.
  1. 1.
    An efficient cause; a prime mover.
    “God . . . moveth mere natural agents as an efficient only.” — Hooker.