OPERATE


Meaning of OPERATE in English

ˈäpəˌrāt sometimes ˈäˌprāt; usu -ād.+V verb

( -ed/-ing/-s )

Etymology: Latin operatus, past participle of operari to work, from oper-, opus work, labor; akin to Sanskrit apas work, Old High German uoben to put to work, be active, Old English efnan to perform, Old Norse efna

intransitive verb

1. : to perform a work or labor : exert power or influence : produce an effect

a plain reason operates on the mind of a learned hearer

factors operating against our success

this remark operated to close the meeting in disorder

2. : to produce or take an appropriate effect : issue in the result designed

the drug operated quickly

3.

a. : to perform an operation or series of operations

a mill for operating on the crude ore

b. : to perform surgery

the doctor operates from 8 to 10

c. : to carry on a military or naval action or mission

d. : to function through the use of a specified agent

the tractor operates on diesel oil

4. : to trade or speculate in securities or commodities : act as a dealer or broker in the markets

operated largely in cotton futures

5. : to follow a course of conduct or way of life, especially one that is irregular or antisocial

operated as a salesman

crooked gamblers operating on the Atlantic liners

transitive verb

1. : to cause to occur : bring about by or as if by the exertion of positive effort or influence : initiate

such influences may operate remarkable changes

2.

a. : to cause to function usually by direct personal effort : work

operate a car

operating a drill press

b. : to manage and put or keep in operation whether with personal effort or not

operated a grocery store

3. : to perform surgery on

not all surgeons will operate malignant growths

the operated limb regained strength slowly

Synonyms: see act

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.