Imitative \Im"i*ta*tive\, a. [L. imitavitus: cf. F. imitatif.]
   1. Inclined to imitate, copy, or follow; imitating;
      exhibiting some of the qualities or characteristics of a
      pattern or model; dependent on example; not original; as,
      man is an imitative being; painting is an imitative art.
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   2. Formed after a model, pattern, or original.
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            This temple, less in form, with equal grace,
            Was imitative of the first in Thrace. --Dryden.
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   3. (Nat. Hist.) Designed to imitate another species of
      animal, or a plant, or inanimate object, for some useful
      purpose, such as protection from enemies; having
      resemblance to something else; as, imitative colors;
      imitative habits; dendritic and mammillary forms of
      minerals are imitative. -- Im"i*ta*tive*ly, adv. --
      Im"i*ta*tive*ness, n.
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