26984 words

operation

15 definitions • 33 examples
1
the fact of operating or being active:

Examples:

There are several reactors of the type in operation (= working) at the moment.
We expect the new system for assessing claims to come into operation (= start working) early next year.
2
the way that parts of a machine or system work together, or the process of making parts of a machine or system work together
4
an activity that is planned to achieve something:

Examples:

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.
5
an occasion when a doctor cuts a body for medical reasons in order to repair, remove, or replace an unhealthy or damaged part:

Examples:

a major/minor/routine operation
an abdominal/cataract/transplant operation
He has to have an operation on his shoulder.
[ + to infinitive ] We will know in a couple of days if the operation to restore her sight was successful.
6
a mathematical process, such as addition, in which one set of numbers is produced from another
7
a mathematical process, such as addition, in which one set of numbers is produced from another
8
a medical process in which doctors cut a body open in order to repair, remove, or replace an unhealthy or damaged part:

Examples:

She underwent a six-hour open-heart operation.
9
an act or process of working, doing something, being in action, or having an effect:

Examples:

[ U ] Several printing presses are in operation (= working) at the moment.
[ C ] Setting a mousetrap is a delicate operation (= act of doing something).
10
An operation is also an activity planned to achieve something:

Examples:

[ C ] a rescue operation
11
the fact of operating or being active:

Examples:

come into/begin operation We expect the new procedure to come into operation early next year.
be out of/cease operation The company was facing a court order to cease operation.
The construction work will not affect the day-to-day operation of the company.
in operation There are several reactors of this type in operation at the moment.
We hope to be in commercial operation within three months.
The firm is in its third year of operation.
14
an activity which is planned to achieve something:

Examples:

an operation to do sth The police have launched an operation to prevent the sale of pirated software.
A rescue operation to save the country's largest bank is underway.
a cost-cutting operation.
a military/peacekeeping operation
15
the way that parts of a machine work together, or the process of making parts of a machine or system work together:

Examples:

Teamwork is essential to ensure the smooth operation of the department.
Open the machine and check the operation of the locking mechanism.

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