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modus operandi

noun mo·dus ope·ran·di \ ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē , -ˌdī \

Definition of modus operandi

plural modi operandi play \ˈmō-ˌdē-, ˈmō-ˌdī-\
:a method of procedure
  • the best approach … was to do things through quiet persuasion, which was his modus operandi
  • —James Traub
; especially :a distinct pattern or method of operation that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime
  • got her picture identified, discovered her modus operandi, and put a stakeout on her neighborhood
  • —Time

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Origin and Etymology of modus operandi

New Latin

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MODUS OPERANDI Defined for English Language Learners

modus operandi

noun

Definition of modus operandi for English Language Learners

  • : a usual way of doing something; especially : the usual way that a particular criminal performs a crime

Law Dictionary

modus operandi

noun mo·dus ope·ran·di \ ˌmō-dəs-ˌä-pə-ˈran-dē, -ˌdī \

legal Definition of modus operandi

:a distinct pattern or method of operation especially that indicates or suggests the work of a single criminal in more than one crime

Origin and Etymology of modus operandi

New Latin, manner of operating

Learn More about modus operandi

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about modus operandi

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