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operated - 2 dictionary results
Operated
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op⋅er⋅ate

  [op-uh-reyt] verb, -at⋅ed, -at⋅ing.
Use operated 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 operated
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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