One entry found for operate.

Main Entry: op·er·ate
Pronunciation: äp-(-)rt
Function: verb
Inflected Form(s): -at·ed; -at·ing
Etymology: from Latin operatus, past participle of operari "to work" --related to MANEUVER --see Word History at MANEUVER
1 : to work or cause to work in a proper way <how to operate the new microwave oven>
2 : to take effect <a drug that operates quickly>
3 : MANAGE 1 <operate a business>
4 a : to perform an operation or a series of operations b : to perform surgery <operate on a patient> <operated on an injured leg>