operation
//ˌɒp.əˈɹeɪ.ʃən//
Forms
- Plural
- operations
Definitions
1.The method by which a device performs its function.
- It is dangerous to look at the beam of a laser while it is in operation.
2.The method or practice by which actions are done.
3.The act or process of operating (verb): agency; the exertion of power, physical, mechanical, or moral.
- Speculative painting, without the assistance of manual operation, can never attain to perfection.
4.A planned undertaking.
- The Katrina relief operation was considered botched.
- The police ran an operation to get vagrants off the streets.
Frequency
Overall
Common· #1007
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Uncommon
- General reading & writing
- Common
- Academic
- Uncommon
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Word family
Etymology
Etymology tree
Proto-Indo-European *h₃ep-
Proto-Indo-European *-os
Proto-Indo-European *h₃épos
Proto-Italic *opos
Latin opus
Latin opera
Proto-Indo-European *-h₂
Proto-Indo-European *-éh₂
Proto-Indo-European *-yéti
Proto-Indo-European *-eh₂yéti
Proto-Indo-European *-h₂tiinflu.