Operate | Mean of operate in English Dictionary

/ˈɑːpəˌreɪt/

• Verb
• to function or behave in a proper or particular way
1. They hope to have the windmill operating again tomorrow.
2. The camera also operates underwater.
3. The machine can operate at high speeds.
4. We need someone who operates [=performs] well under pressure.
5. The drug operates [=(more commonly) works] quickly.
• to use and control (something)
1. instructions for operating the new microwave oven
2. a license to operate a motor vehicle
3. operate machinery
4. a coin-operated washing machine [=a washing machine that you must put coins into in order to use]
5. voice-operated computer systems
• to have control of (something, such as a business, department, program, etc.)
1. operating [=managing, running] a business
2. The café is owned and operated by a young couple.
3. The organization operates a recycling program.

• to function as a business, group, etc.
1. It's the only casino operating in the state.
2. The mill has been operating [=(more commonly) in operation] for 100 years.
3. The company operates from Chicago.
4. soldiers operating overseas
5. a militant group operating against the government
• to perform surgery
1. The doctors needed to operate immediately.
2. operate on a tumor/patient