define a cooperative
adj. 1. Done in cooperation with others: a cooperative effort. 2. Marked by willingness to cooperate; compliant: a cooperative patient. 3. Of, relating to, or formed as an enterprise or organization jointly owned or managed by those who use its facilities or services: a cooperative department store; cooperative apartment buildings. n. 1. An enterprise or organization that is owned or managed jointly by those who use its facilities or services.