operation

noun (WORK)

/ˌɒp.ərˈeɪ.ʃən/

/ˌɑː.pəˈreɪ-/

Definition

C1 [U] the fact of operating or being active: There are several reactors of the type in operation (= working) at the moment. We expect the new scheme for assessing claims to come into operation (= start working) early next year.FunctioningPerforming a function › [U] the way that parts of a machine or system work together, or the process of making parts of a machine or system work togetherPerforming a functionFunctioning C1 [C] a business organization: Less profitable business operations will have difficulty in finding financial support.Businesses and enterprises C1 [C] an activity that is planned to achieve something: a military/peacekeeping operation. Following the earthquake, a large-scale rescue operation was launched. [+ to infinitive] The operation to fly in supplies will begin as soon as possible.Acting and actsDealing with things or people

(Definition of operation noun (WORK) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)