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operate

 - 5 dictionary results

op⋅er⋅ate

  [op-uh-reyt] verb, -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing.
Use operate in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to work, perform, or function, as a machine does: This engine does not operate properly.
2. to work or use a machine, apparatus, or the like.
3. to act effectively; produce an effect; exert force or influence (often fol. by on or upon): Their propaganda is beginning to operate on the minds of the people.
4. to perform some process of work or treatment.
5. Surgery. to perform a surgical procedure.
6. (of a drug) to produce the effect intended.
7. Military.
a. to carry on operations in war.
b. to give orders and accomplish military acts, as distinguished from doing staff work.
8. to carry on transactions in securities, or some commodity, esp. speculatively or on a large scale.
9. Informal. to use devious means for one's own gain; insinuate oneself; finagle: a man who knows how to operate with the ladies.
–verb (used with object)
10. to manage or use (a machine, device, etc.): to operate a switchboard.
11. to put or keep (a factory, industrial system, ranch, etc.) working or in operation: to operate a coal mine.
12. to bring about, effect, or produce, as by action or the exertion of force or influence.
Origin:
1600–10; < LL operātus, ptp. of operārī, -āre to work, be efficacious, effect, produce, L: to busy oneself, v. deriv. of opera effort, work, akin to opus work; see -ate 1

Related forms:
op⋅er⋅at⋅a⋅ble, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To operate
op·er·ate   (ŏp'ə-rāt')   
v.   op·er·at·ed, op·er·at·ing, op·er·ates

v.   intr.

  1. To perform a function; work: The motor operates smoothly.

  2. To perform surgery.

    1. To exert an influence: forces operating on the economy.

    2. To produce a desired or proper effect: a drug that operates quickly.

  4. To carry on a military or naval action or campaign.

  5. Informal To conduct business in an irregular or devious manner: drug dealers operating in residential and urban areas.

v.   tr.

  1. To control the functioning of; run: operate a sewing machine.

  2. To conduct the affairs of; manage: operate a business.


[Latin operārī, operāt-, from opera, work; see op- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

operate 
1606, "to be in effect," from L. operari "to work, labor" (in L.L. "to have effect, be active, cause"), see operation. Surgical sense is first attested 1799. Meaning "to work machinery" is from 1864 in Amer.Eng. Operator is first recorded 1597, "one who performs mechanical or surgical operations." Meaning "one who carries on business shrewdly" is from 1828. Specific sense of "one who works a telephone switchboard" (1884) grew out of earlier meaning "one who works a telegraph" (1847).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: op·er·ate
Pronunciation: 'äp-(&-)"rAt
Function: verb
Inflected Forms: -at·ed; -at·ing
intransitive senses
: to perform surgery transitive senses
: to perform surgery on <operated the growth>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

operate op·er·ate (ŏp'ə-rāt')
v. op·er·at·ed, op·er·at·ing, op·er·ates
To perform surgery.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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