|
|
- pronunciation:
- a
p
reIt
- features:
- Word Explorer, Word Parts
| part of speech: |
verb |
| inflections: |
operates, operating, operated |
| definition 1: |
When something like a machine or car is operating, it is working or running.
The water pump was broken for a while, but it's operating now.Many toys will not operate without batteries.- synonyms:
- function, go, run, work
- similar words:
- behave, handle, perform
|
| definition 2: |
When a doctor operates on someone, it means that the doctor makes an opening in their body to fix something that is wrong.
The doctor is going to operate on my mother's leg next week.- similar words:
- open
|
| definition 3: |
When you operate something, you make it run and you control it. We operate things like trucks, cars, electric tools, computers, and other machines.
Dan's father works for a construction company, and he usually operates the heavy machines like cranes and bulldozers.- synonyms:
- run, work
- similar words:
- drive, handle, use
|
| related words: |
employ, fly, pilot, power, supervise |
| derivation: |
operatable (adj.) |
|
|