Main Entry:

op·er·a·tion

Pronunciation:

\ˌä-pə-ˈrā-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Middle English operacioun, from Middle French operation, from Latin operation-, operatio, from operari

Date:

14th century

1: performance of a practical work or of something involving the practical application of principles or processes2 a: an exertion of power or influence <the operation of a drug> b: the quality or state of being functional or operative <the plant is now in operation> c: a method or manner of functioning <a machine of very simple operation>3: efficacy, potency —archaic except in legal usage4: a procedure performed on a living body usually with instruments especially for the repair of damage or the restoration of health5: any of various mathematical or logical processes (as addition) of deriving one entity from others according to a rule6 a: a usually military action, mission, or maneuver including its planning and execution bplural : the office on the flight line of an airfield where pilots file clearance for flights and where flying from the field is controlled cplural : the agency of an organization charged with carrying on the principal planning and operating functions of a headquarters and its subordinate units7: a business transaction especially when speculative8: a single step performed by a computer in the execution of a program9: a usually small business or establishment <ran a struggling operation>