op·er·ate 
/ˈɑ:pəˌreɪt/ verb
op·er·ates; op·er·at·ed; op·er·at·ing /ˈɑ:pəˌreɪt/ verb 1 [no obj] : to function or behave in a proper or particular way
▪ They hope to have the windmill operating again tomorrow. ▪ The camera also operates underwater. ▪ The machine can operate at high speeds. ▪ We need someone who operates [=performs] well under pressure. ▪ The drug operates [=(more commonly) works] quickly. 2 [+ obj] : to use and control (something)
▪ instructions for operating the new microwave oven ▪ a license to operate a motor vehicle ▪ operate machinery — sometimes used in combination ▪ a coin-operated washing machine [=a washing machine that you must put coins into in order to use] ▪ voice-operated computer systems 3 a [+ obj] : to have control of (something, such as a business, department, program, etc.)
▪ operating [=managing, running] a business ▪ The café is owned and operated by a young couple. ▪ The organization operates a recycling program.
b [no obj] : to function as a business, group, etc.
▪ It's the only casino operating in the state. ▪ The mill has been operating [=(more commonly) in operation] for 100 years. ▪ The company operates from Chicago. ▪ soldiers operating overseas ▪ a militant group operating against the government 4 [no obj] medical : to perform surgery
▪ The doctors needed to operate immediately. — often + on ▪ operate on a tumor/patient
▪ They hope to have the windmill operating again tomorrow. ▪ The camera also operates underwater. ▪ The machine can operate at high speeds. ▪ We need someone who operates [=performs] well under pressure. ▪ The drug operates [=(more commonly) works] quickly.
▪ instructions for operating the new microwave oven ▪ a license to operate a motor vehicle ▪ operate machinery — sometimes used in combination ▪ a coin-operated washing machine [=a washing machine that you must put coins into in order to use] ▪ voice-operated computer systems
▪ operating [=managing, running] a business ▪ The café is owned and operated by a young couple. ▪ The organization operates a recycling program.
b [no obj] : to function as a business, group, etc.
▪ It's the only casino operating in the state. ▪ The mill has been operating [=(more commonly) in operation] for 100 years. ▪ The company operates from Chicago. ▪ soldiers operating overseas ▪ a militant group operating against the government
▪ The doctors needed to operate immediately. — often + on ▪ operate on a tumor/patient
