Cambridge Learner's Dictionary
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Definition
operate Show phoneticsverb
1 ORGANIZATION [I,T] If an organization or business operates, it is working, and if you operate it, you manage it and make it work.
Our company is operating under very difficult conditions at present.
2 MACHINE [I,T] If a machine operates, it does what it is designed to do, and if you operate it, you make it do what it is designed to do.
You have to be trained to operate the machinery.
These new sewing machines are easy to operate.
3 TREATMENT [I] to treat an illness or injury by cutting someone's body and removing or repairing part of it
I don't think they're going to operate.
Did they have to operate on him?
