operate

[op-uh-reyt] /ˈɒp əˌreɪt/
verb (used without object), operated, operating.
1.
to work, perform, or function, as a machine does:
This engine does not operate properly.
2.
to work or use a machine, apparatus, or the like.
3.
to act effectively; produce an effect; exert force or influence (often followed by on or upon):
Their propaganda is beginning to operate on the minds of the people.
4.
to perform some process of work or treatment.
5.
Surgery. to perform a surgical procedure.
6.
(of a drug) to produce the effect intended.
7.
Military.
  1. to carry on operations in war.
  2. to give orders and accomplish military acts, as distinguished from doing staff work.
8.
to carry on transactions in securities, or some commodity, especially speculatively or on a large scale.
9.
Informal. to use devious means for one's own gain; insinuate oneself; finagle:
a man who knows how to operate with the ladies.
verb (used with object), operated, operating.
10.
to manage or use (a machine, device, etc.):
to operate a switchboard.
11.
to put or keep (a factory, industrial system, ranch, etc.) working or in operation:
to operate a coal mine.
12.
to bring about, effect, or produce, as by action or the exertion of force or influence.
Origin
1600-10; < Late Latin operātus, past participle of operārī, -āre to work, be efficacious, effect, produce, Latin: to busy oneself, verbal derivative of opera effort, work, akin to opus work; see -ate1
Related forms
operatable, adjective
preoperate, verb (used without object), preoperated, preoperating.
reoperate, verb (used with object), reoperated, reoperating.
unoperatable, adjective
unoperated, adjective
well-operated, adjective
Examples from the web for operate
  • Scientists operate mostly in disciplinary silos, and it is rare for research in one field to influence work in other disciplines.
  • So far, it is not clear exactly how the new system will operate.
  • But they can't drive and operate weather equipment at the same time.
  • In cricket, two bowlers and two batsmen operate in tandem.
  • More sophisticated timers operate on batteries or household current.
  • Denham, the college's president, acknowledged that the school was doing well and could operate independently of the college.
  • The smallest unit of living matter that can operate independently.
  • Some comprehensive college-sponsored health plans essentially operate as large employer-sponsored plans.
  • The efficiency varies with how much power it takes to operate the unit.
  • In contrast to the precisely controlled experiments described above, a typical driver does not operate under ideal conditions.
British Dictionary definitions for operate

operate

/ˈɒpəˌreɪt/
verb
1.
to function or cause to function
2.
(transitive) to control the functioning of: operate a machine
3.
to manage, direct, run, or pursue (a business, system, etc)
4.
(intransitive) to perform a surgical operation (upon a person or animal)
5.
(intransitive) to produce a desired or intended effect
6.
(transitive) usually foll by on. to treat or process in a particular or specific way
7.
(intransitive) to conduct military or naval operations
8.
(intransitive) to deal in securities on a stock exchange
Word Origin
C17: from Latin operāri to work
Word Origin and History for operate
v.

c.1600, "to be in effect," back-formation from operation, or else from Latin operatus, past participle of operari "to work, labor, toil, take pains" (in Late Latin "to have effect, be active, cause"). Surgical sense is first attested 1799. Meaning "to work machinery" is from 1864 in American English. Related: Operated; operating. Operating system in the computer sense is from 1961.

operate in Medicine

operate op·er·ate (ŏp'ə-rāt')
v. op·er·at·ed, op·er·at·ing, op·er·ates
To perform surgery.