prescriptive Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective pertaining to giving directives or rules
    normative.
    • prescriptive grammar is concerned with norms of or rules for correct usage

WordNet

Pre*scrip"tive adjective
Etymology
L. praescriptivus of a demurrer or legal exception.
Definitions
  1. (Law) Consisting in, or acquired by, immemorial or long-continued use and enjoyment; as, a prescriptive right of title; pleading the continuance and authority of long custom.
    The right to be drowsy in protracted toil has become prescriptive. J. M. Mason.

Webster 1913