op·er·ate
Pronounced:
/ˈɑ:pəˌreɪt/
Function:
verbInflected forms:
op·er·ates; op·er·at·ed; op·er·at·ingMeaning:
1 [no obj] : to function or behave in a proper or particular way ▪ They hope to have the windmill operating again tomorrow. ▪ The camera also operates underwater. ▪ The machine can operate at high speeds. ▪ We need someone who operates [=performs] well under pressure. ▪ The drug operates [=(more commonly) works] quickly.
2 [+ obj] : to use and control (something) ▪ instructions for operating the new microwave oven ▪ a license to operate a motor vehicle ▪ operate machinery —sometimes used in combination ▪ a coin-operated washing machine [=a washing machine that you must put coins into in order to use] ▪ voice-operated computer systems
3 a [+ obj] : to have control of (something, such as a business, department, program, etc.) ▪ operating [=managing, running] a business ▪ The café is owned and operated by a young couple. ▪ The organization operates a recycling program. b [no obj] : to function as a business, group, etc. ▪ It's the only casino operating in the state. ▪ The mill has been operating [=(more commonly) in operation] for 100 years. ▪ The company operates from Chicago. ▪ soldiers operating overseas ▪ a militant group operating against the government
4 [no obj] medical : to perform surgery ▪ The doctors needed to operate immediately. —often + on ▪ operate on a tumor/patient
2 [+ obj] : to use and control (something) ▪ instructions for operating the new microwave oven ▪ a license to operate a motor vehicle ▪ operate machinery —sometimes used in combination ▪ a coin-operated washing machine [=a washing machine that you must put coins into in order to use] ▪ voice-operated computer systems
3 a [+ obj] : to have control of (something, such as a business, department, program, etc.) ▪ operating [=managing, running] a business ▪ The café is owned and operated by a young couple. ▪ The organization operates a recycling program. b [no obj] : to function as a business, group, etc. ▪ It's the only casino operating in the state. ▪ The mill has been operating [=(more commonly) in operation] for 100 years. ▪ The company operates from Chicago. ▪ soldiers operating overseas ▪ a militant group operating against the government
4 [no obj] medical : to perform surgery ▪ The doctors needed to operate immediately. —often + on ▪ operate on a tumor/patient