1. To produce, as an effect; to cause.
The same cause would operate a diminution of the value of stock.
A. Hamilton. 2. To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; as, to operate a machine.
Operatic
(Op`er**at"ic Op`er*at"ic*al) a. Of or pertaining to the opera or to operas; characteristic of, or
resembling, the opera.
Operation
(Op`er*a"tion) n. [L. operatio: cf. F. opération.]
1. The act or process of operating; agency; the exertion of power, physical, mechanical, or moral.
The pain and sickness caused by manna are the effects of its operation on the stomach.
Locke.
Speculative painting, without the assistance of manual operation, can never attain to perfection.
Dryden. 2. The method of working; mode of action.
3. That which is operated or accomplished; an effect brought about in accordance with a definite plan; as,
military or naval operations.
4. Effect produced; influence. [Obs.]
The bards . . . had great operation on the vulgar.
Fuller. 5. (Math.) Something to be done; some transformation to be made upon quantities, the transformation
being indicated either by rules or symbols.
6. (Surg.) Any methodical action of the hand, or of the hand with instruments, on the human body, to
produce a curative or remedial effect, as in amputation, etc.
Calculus of operations. See under Calculus.
Operative
(Op"er*a*tive) a. [Cf.L. operativus, F. opératif.]
1. Having the power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in the production of effects; as,
an operative motive.
It holds in all operative principles.
South. 2. Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an operative dose, rule, or penalty.
3. (Surg.) Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations; as, operative surgery.
Operative
(Op"er*a*tive), n. A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a machine in a mill or
manufactory.
Operatively
(Op"er*a*tive*ly), adv. In an operative manner.
Operator
(Op"er*a`tor) n. [L.]
1. One who, or that which, operates or produces an effect.
2. (Surg.) One who performs some act upon the human body by means of the hand, or with instruments.
3. A dealer in stocks or any commodity for speculative purposes; a speculator. [Brokers' Cant]
