Main Entry: op·er·ate

Pronunciation: \ˈä-pə-ˌrāt, ˈä-ˌprāt\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): op·er·at·ed; op·er·at·ing

Etymology: Latin operatus, past participle of operari to work, from oper-, opus work; akin to Old English efnan to perform, Sanskrit apas work

Date: 1588

intransitive verb 1 : to perform a function : exert power or influence <factors operating against our success>
2 : to produce an appropriate effect <the drug operated quickly>
3 a : to perform an operation or a series of operations b : to perform surgery c : to carry on a military or naval action or mission
4 : to follow a course of conduct that is often irregular <crooked gamblers operating in the club>transitive verb 1 : bring about, effect
2 a : to cause to function : work b : to put or keep in operation
3 : to perform an operation on; especially : to perform surgery on