operate

Definitions

1. 1.To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; especially (Med.), to take appropriate effect on the human system.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 4.To deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits. [Brokers' Cant]
5. 5.To produce, as an effect; to cause. The same cause would operate a diminution of the value of stock. A. Hamilton.
6. 6.To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; as, to operate a machine.

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Synonyms

Related questions

• What does "operate" mean?
• What is another word for "operate"?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is operate.

• What is to produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the result designed by nature; especially (Med.), to take appropriate effect on the human system called?
• What is 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 called?
• What is to deal in stocks or any commodity with a view to speculative profits. [Brokers' Cant] called?
• What is to produce, as an effect; to cause. The same cause would operate a diminution of the value of stock. A. Hamilton called?
• What is to put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; as, to operate a machine called?