English

Etymology

Verb

operate (operates, operated, operating)

1. To perform a work or labor; to exert power or strengh, physical or mechanical; to act.
2. To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; especially (Med.), to take appropriate effect on the human system.
3. To act or produce effect on the mind; to exert moral power or influence.
4. (Medical): 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.
5. To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits.
6. To produce, as an effect; to cause.
7. To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; as, to operate a machine.