- operation */*/*/
- UK [ˌɒpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n] / US [ˌɑpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n]
noun
Word forms "operation":
singular operation plural operations1) [countable] a planned activity involving a lot of people, especially soldiers or police officersThis was the biggest military operation for 20 years.
rescue/relief/cleanup operation:Undercover operations led to the arrest of the gang.
The cleanup operation will take weeks.
2) [countable] an action or set of actions that is necessary to achieve somethingConnecting the water supply is a very simple operation.
The computer performs this operation many times every day.
3) [countable] the process of cutting into someone's body for medical reasonsoperation on:a stomach/heart operation
have/undergo an operation:She may need an operation on her knee.
do/perform/carry out an operation:The baby had to have an operation, but he's fine now.
A very experienced heart surgeon will perform the operation.
4) [countable] a company, or a part of a large companyThe company has recently expanded its UK operation.
The group is selling its overseas operations.
5) [uncountable] the way that something such as a system or service operatesWe are visiting schools to explain the operation of the new exam system.
a) used about the way that a machine or piece of equipment operatesSomething was interfering with the radar equipment's operation.
b) used about the way that something such as a rule or an idea is usedScience investigates the operation of general laws.
6) [uncountable] the process of controlling something or of making it workOperation of this equipment requires special training.
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English dictionary. 2014.