adjective
Etymology: from present participle of operate
1. : engaged in some form of operation : functional
an operating motor
especially : engaged in active business (as manufacture, transportation, merchandising)
2.
a. : arising out of or concerned with the current operations of a concern engaged in transportation or manufacturing as distinct from its financial transactions and its permanent improvements
operating expense
operating personnel
b. : of or dealing with profit and loss or income and expenses
an operating statement
3. : used for or in operations
the operating room in a hospital