Word Direct Answers

What does "operate" mean?

Operate: To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; especially (Med.), to take appropriate effect on the human system.

Additional senses

  1. 2.To act or produce effect on the mind; to exert moral power or influence. The virtues of private persons operate but on a few. Atterbury. A plain, convincing reason operates on the mind both of a learned and ignorant hearer as long as they live. Swift.
  2. 3.(Surg.) 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.
  3. 4.To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits. [Brokers' Cant]
  4. 5.To produce, as an effect; to cause. The same cause would operate a diminution of the value of stock. A. Hamilton.
  5. 6.To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; as, to operate a machine.

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