operation */*/*/

UK [ˌɒpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n] / US [ˌɑpəˈreɪʃ(ə)n] noun
Word forms "operation":
singular operation plural operations

1) [countable] a planned activity involving a lot of people, especially soldiers or police officers

This was the biggest military operation for 20 years.

Undercover operations led to the arrest of the gang.

rescue/relief/cleanup operation:

The cleanup operation will take weeks.

2) [countable] an action or set of actions that is necessary to achieve something

Connecting 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 reasons

a stomach/heart operation

operation on:

She may need an operation on her knee.

have/undergo an operation:

The baby had to have an operation, but he's fine now.

do/perform/carry out an operation:

A very experienced heart surgeon will perform the operation.

4) [countable] a company, or a part of a large company

The 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 operates

We are visiting schools to explain the operation of the new exam system.

a) used about the way that a machine or piece of equipment operates

Something was interfering with the radar equipment's operation.

b) used about the way that something such as a rule or an idea is used

Science investigates the operation of general laws.

6) [uncountable] the process of controlling something or of making it work

Operation of this equipment requires special training.

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- in operation

- into operation