1. to control or use a machine, device, or system
2. to function or work in a particular way
3. to perform surgery on a patient
Usage: medical

Examples

• She operates the forklift with great skill.
• The factory operates 24 hours a day.
• This software operates on multiple platforms.
• The surgeon operates on heart patients.
• The company operates stores in five states.
• He operates his own restaurant downtown.
• The machine operates automatically once started.