operant

adjective

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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

noun

Definition 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

Other Words from operant More Example Sentences Phrases Containing operant Learn More About operant

Examples of operant in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective Bradfield probably could have parlayed that success into some sort of cushy position with Burnett, but his operant mode was reinvention. — Susan Orlean, The New Yorker, 18 Feb. 2022 As such, mobile games have developed into monsters psychologically tuned to rip thousands out of players vulnerable enough to be operant conditioned into a game addiction. — Clem Chambers, Forbes, 8 Nov. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'operant.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for operant

Adjective

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

Noun

derivative of operant entry 1