op·er·ant | \ ˈä-pə-rənt 
\
\Definition of operant
(Entry 1 of 2)
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
operant
nounDefinition of operant (Entry 2 of 2)
: behavior (such as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for operant
operant
adjectiveop·er·ant | \ ˈäp-ə-rənt \
\Medical Definition of operant
(Entry 1 of 2)
: of, relating to, or being an operant or operant conditioning
operant behavior — compare respondent
operant
nounMedical Definition of operant (Entry 2 of 2)
: behavior (as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects
Comments on operant
What made you want to look up operant? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
- What is an earlier meaning of nice?
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridgedWords at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
- Slippery Words Quiz—Changing with the Times
Do you know these earlier meanings of words?
Take the quiz - Words of Snow and Ice Quiz
A selection of words from the chillier parts of t...
Take the quiz - Name That Thing
Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question ...
Take the quiz - Word Winder's CrossWinder Play the game
Share operant
Time Traveler for operant
The first known use of operant was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century