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operation definition

op·era·tion (äp′ə rā′s̸hən)

noun

  1. the act, process, or method of operating
  2. the condition of being in action or at work
  3. a process or action that is part of a series in some work
    1. any movement or series of movements made in carrying out strategic military plans
    2. a center where such activities are monitored or supervised, as at an air base
    3. any specific plan, project, venture, etc. Operation Cleanup
  5. any surgical procedure performed, usually with the aid of instruments, to remedy a physical ailment or defect
  6. Math. any process, as addition, division, etc., involving a change or transformation in a quantity

Etymology: ME operacion < OFr < L operatio

operation Idioms

in operation

  1. in the act or process of making, working, etc.
  2. having an influence or effect; in force

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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