ˌɔpəˈreɪʃən n. 1 a
the action or process or
method of
working or operating. b the
state of
being active or functioning (not
yet in operation). c the scope or
range of effectiveness of a thing's
activity. 2 an active process; a
discharge of a
function (the operation of breathing). 3 a
piece of
work,
esp.
one in a
series (often in
pl.:
begin operations). 4 an
act of
surgery performed on a
patient. 5 a a
strategic movement of troops, ships, etc.
for military action. b preceding a code-name (Operation Overlord). 6 a
financial transaction. 7
Math. the subjection of a
number or
quantity or function to a process affecting
its value or
form, e.g.
multiplication, differentiation. øoperations
research =
operational research. [ME f. OF f. L operatio -onis (as OPERATE)]