noun
operation
op-uh-RAY-shuhn
noun
1
The way something works, or the act of making it work.
"The operation of the new machine is simpler than expected."
2
A planned activity or task, especially one carried out by a business, military, or organization.
"The rescue operation lasted through the night."
"Police launched a major operation against the smuggling ring."
3
A surgical procedure.
"She had an operation to remove her appendix."
4
A mathematical procedure that produces a value from one or more inputs, such as addition.
"Multiplication is a basic arithmetic operation."
How to Use Operation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA task, procedure, or process being carried out, whether it's a business plan, a military mission, a surgery, or a math step.
Common pairings
military operation
surgical operation
in operation
business operations
Word Forms
operations plural
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The _____ of the new machine is simpler than expected.
Etymology
From Latin operatio, "a working," from the verb operari — the same root as "operate."