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- pronunciation:
- a
p
reIt
- parts of speech:
- intransitive verb, transitive verb
- features:
- Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
intransitive verb |
| inflections: |
operates, operating, operated |
| definition 1: |
to function in a correct or effective manner, as a machine.
These machines operate by remote control.The computer has been dropped a number of times, but it's still operating.- synonyms:
- function, go, run, work
- similar words:
- act, behave, handle, perform
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| definition 2: |
to be in the process of action; carry on affairs.
- similar words:
- act, function, perform, work
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| definition 3: |
to perform a surgical procedure (often fol. by "on").
The surgeon is still operating and cannot speak with you now.The doctors operated on his heart last year and now it's his spleen.She operated on a very young child this morning.- similar words:
- open
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| definition 4: |
(informal) to act with skillful deception so as to improve one's own situation.
- synonyms:
- finagle, machinate
- similar words:
- insinuate onself, maneuver, plot, scheme
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| related words: |
ride |
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| part of speech: |
transitive verb |
| definition: |
to control the functioning of a machine or the like.
She operates a drill press at work.He's learning how to operate his new computer.- synonyms:
- run, work
- similar words:
- drive, handle, use
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| related words: |
employ, fly, manage, pilot, power, supervise, wield |
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| derivation: |
operatable (adj.) |
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