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operant

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adjective op·er·ant \ ˈä-pə-rənt \
Updated on: 11 Sep 2017

Definition of operant

1 :functioning or tending to produce effects :effective
  • an operant conscience
2 :of or relating to the observable or measurable
3 :of, relating to, or being an operant or operant conditioning
  • operant behavior
—

operantly

adverb

See operant defined for kids

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Origin and Etymology of operant

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin operant-, operans, present participle of operārī "to work, be efficacious, effect, produce" — more at operate

2

operant

noun

Definition of operant

:behavior (such as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects

Origin and Etymology of operant

derivative of 1operant

Medical Dictionary

1

operant

play
adjective op·er·ant \ ˈäp-ə-rənt \

medical Definition of operant

:of, relating to, or being an operant or operant conditioning
  • operant behavior
— compare respondent
—

operantly

adverb
2

operant

noun

medical Definition of operant

:behavior (as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects

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