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operating
5 dictionary results for: operating
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
op·er·at·ing       [op-uh-rey-ting] Pronunciation Key
–adjective
1.used or engaged in performing operations: an operating surgeon.
2.of, for, or pertaining to operations: an operating budget.
3.of or pertaining to the proper operation of a machine, appliance, etc.: a manual of operating instructions.
4.Railroads. of, pertaining, or belonging to railroad workers, as engineers or firemen, who are directly engaged in the mechanical operation of trains: an operating union.
[Origin: 1800–10; operate + -ing1]
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
op·er·ate       [op-uh-reyt] Pronunciation Key verb, -at·ed, -at·ing.
–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 -ate1]

—Related forms
op·er·at·a·ble, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1)
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2006.
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American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
op·er·ate       (ŏp'ə-rāt')  Pronunciation Key 
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.]

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2006 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
operating

adjective
1. involved in a kind of operation; "the operating conditions of the oxidation pond" 
2. being in effect or operation; "de facto apartheid is still operational even in the 'new' African nations"- Leslie Marmon Silko; "bus service is in operation during the emergency"; "the company had several operating divisions" [syn: operational] 

WordNet® 3.0, © 2006 by Princeton University.
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Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law - Cite This Source - Share This
Main Entry: op·er·at·ing
Pronunciation: 'ä-p&-"rA-ti[ng]
Function: adjective
1 : engaged in active business
2 : arising out of or relating to the current daily operations of a concern (as in transportation or manufacturing) as distinct from its financial transactions and permanent improvements <operating expenses> <operating personnel>

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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