Dictionary
op•er•a•tion
Pronunciation: (op"u-rā'shun), [key]—
n.
1. an act or instance, process, or manner of functioning or operating.
2. the state of being operative (usually prec. by
in or
into):
a rule no longer in operation.
3. the power to act; efficacy, influence, or force.
4. the exertion of force, power, or influence; agency:
the operation of alcohol on the mind.
5. a process of a practical or mechanical nature in some form of work or production:
a delicate operation in watchmaking.
6. a course or procedure of productive or industrial activity:
building operations.
7. a particular process or course:
mental operations.
8. a business transaction, esp. one of a speculative nature; deal:
a shady operation.
9. a business, esp. one run on a large scale:
a multinational operation.
10. Surg.a procedure aimed at restoring or improving the health of a patient, as by correcting a malformation, removing diseased parts, implanting new parts, etc.
11. Math.
a. a mathematical process, as addition, multiplication, or differentiation.
b. the action of applying a mathematical process to a quantity or quantities.
12. Mil.
a. a campaign, mission, maneuver, or action.
b. Usually,
operations. the conduct of a campaign, mission, etc.
c. operations,a headquarters, office, or place from which a military campaign, air traffic to and from an airfield, or any of various other activities, is planned, conducted, and controlled.
d. operations,the people who work at such a headquarters.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
