To perform some manual act upon a human body in a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in amputation, lithotomy, etc
To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; especially (Med.), to take appropriate effect on the human system
The way that something operates is the way that it works or has a particular effect. Ceiling and wall lights can operate independently The world of work doesn't operate that way. + operation op·era·tion Why is it the case that taking part-time work is made so difficult by the operation of the benefit system?
When you operate a machine or device, or when it operates, you make it work. A massive rock fall trapped the men as they operated a tunnelling machine The number of fax machines operating around the world has now reached ten million. + operation op·era·tion over 1,000 dials monitoring every aspect of the operation of the aeroplane
If military forces are operating in a particular region, they are in that place in order to carry out their orders. Up to ten thousand Zimbabwean soldiers are operating in Mozambique
When surgeons operate on a patient in a hospital, they cut open a patient's body in order to remove, replace, or repair a diseased or damaged part. The surgeon who operated on the King released new details of his injuries You examine a patient and then you decide whether or not to operate