operating Meaning, Definition & Usage

1. verb direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.
   operate; run.
   
   • She is running a relief operation in the Sudan
2. verb perform as expected when applied
   function; go; work; run; operate.
   
   • The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in
   • Does this old car still run well?
   • This old radio doesn't work anymore
3. verb handle and cause to function
   control; operate.
   
   • do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol
   • control the lever
4. verb perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense
   maneuver; manoeuvre; manoeuver; operate.
   
5. verb happen
   operate.
   
   • What is going on in the minds of the people?
6. verb keep engaged
   lock; engage; mesh; operate.
   
   • engaged the gears
7. verb perform surgery on
   operate; operate on.
   
   • The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life
8. adjective involved in a kind of operation
   
   • the operating conditions of the oxidation pond
9. adjective satellite being in effect or operation
   in operation; operational.
   
   • de facto apartheid is still operational even in the `new' African nations"- Leslie Marmon Silko
   • bus service is in operation during the emergency
   • the company had several operating divisions

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