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| op·er·ate [ óppə ràyt ] (past and past participle op·er·at·ed, present participle op·er·at·ing, 3rd person present singular op·er·ates) |
verb |
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| Definition: |
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1. transitive and intransitive verb function or make something function: to function or work, or make something function or work
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2. transitive and intransitive verb business function as business or manage something: to exist as a working business or organization, or oversee the running of a working business or organization
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3. intransitive verb medicine perform surgery: to perform surgery on a person or animal
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4. intransitive verb exert effect: to have an effect or influence on somebody or something
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5. intransitive verb military carry out military operations: to undertake military missions or activities, usually within a particular area or from a particular base
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6. intransitive verb stock exchange trade in financial market: to trade or deal in securities or commodities on the stock exchange
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7. intransitive verb engage in illegal activities: to be active in some illegal or underhanded business
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| [Early 17th century. < Latin operat-, past participle of operari "work" < oper-, stem of opus "work"] |