elective

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective [usuallybeforenoun] (formal) 1 using or chosen by election: an elective democracy * an elective assembly * an elective member * He had never held the elective office (= a position which is filled by election). 2 having the power to elect: an elective body 3 (of medical treatment) that you choose to have; that is not urgent: elective surgery * an elective operation 4 (of a course or subject) that a student can choose noun (especially AmE) a course or subject at a college or school which a student can choose to do: Students can choose from a range of electives offered by the science department.