I. ˈäpərənt adjective
Etymology: Latin operant-, operans, present participle of operari
1. : functioning or tending to produce effects : effective
an operant conscience
2. : of, relating to, or being a behavioral operant
operant conditioning
II. noun
( -s )
1. : one that operates : operative , operator
2. : behavior or responses that operate on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects