|äpə|rāshən ə l, -shnəl adjective
1. : of or relating to operation or an operation
2. : concerned with, involving, or based on operations
operational symbols
an operational definition
— see operational calculus
3.
a. : of, engaged in, or connected with execution of military or naval operations in campaign and battle as distinguished from training, testing, observation
an operational leave
operational patrols
b. : ready for or in condition to undertake a destined function
the new pool should be operational in a few weeks
especially : serviced in readiness for action
the fleet is fully manned and operational