operation

/,ɔpə'reiʃn/

Friendly

Explanation of the Word "Operation"

Definition: The word "operation" is a noun that refers to the activity of working or functioning. It can mean different things depending on the context in which it is used.

Usage Instructions:

When using "operation," think about what kind of activity you are describing. Is it about machines, businesses, math, medical procedures, or military actions? This will help you choose the right meaning.

Examples:

1. General Use: "Her smooth operation of the vehicle gave us a surprisingly comfortable ride."

   • Here, "operation" refers to the way she controlled the vehicle.

2. Mathematics: "They were learning the basic operations of arithmetic."

   • In this case, "operations" refers to mathematical processes like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

3. Medical Context: "They will schedule the operation as soon as an operating room is available."

   • Here, "operation" refers to a surgical procedure performed on a patient.

4. Military Use: "It was a joint operation of the navy and air force."

   • This means that both military branches worked together on a specific task.

5. Business: "Running a restaurant is quite an operation."

   • In this sense, it refers to the complex activities involved in managing a restaurant.

Advanced Usage:

• Cognitive Operation: In psychology, it can refer to mental processes, such as remembering or thinking.
• Data Processing: In computer science, it refers to actions performed by a computer, such as executing a command or processing data.

Word Variants:

• Operate (verb): To make something function or work.
• Operator (noun): A person who operates a machine or business.
• Operational (adjective): Relating to the functioning or activities of a particular system or organization.

Different Meanings:

1. Surgical Procedure: A medical operation to treat a patient.
2. Military Activity: The coordinated actions of military forces.
3. Business Activities: The processes involved in running a company.

Synonyms:

• Function
• Process
• Procedure
• Activity
• Maneuver (in military context)

Idioms:

• "In operation": This means that something is currently functioning or active. For example, "That rule is no longer in operation."
• "Running like a well-oiled machine": This idiom means that something is operating very smoothly and efficiently.

Phrasal Verbs:

While "operation" itself does not have common phrasal verbs, you might use "carry out an operation" or "set in motion an operation," which means to begin or execute a plan or task.

Summary:

"Operation" is a versatile word used in various contexts to describe activities related to functioning, whether it's a machine, a business, a mathematical calculation, or a surgical procedure.

Academic

Noun

1. the activity of operating something (a machine or business etc.)
   • her smooth operation of the vehicle gave us a surprisingly comfortable ride
2. (mathematics) calculation by mathematical methods
   • the problems at the end of the chapter demonstrated the mathematical processes involved in the derivation
   • they were learning the basic operations of arithmetic
3. (psychology) the performance of some composite cognitive activity; an operation that affects mental contents
   • the process of thinking
   • the cognitive operation of remembering
4. process or manner of functioning or operating
   • the power of its engine determines its operation
   • the plane's operation in high winds
   • they compared the cooking performance of each oven
   • the jet's performance conformed to high standards
5. a process or series of acts especially of a practical or mechanical nature involved in a particular form of work
   • the operations in building a house
   • certain machine tool operations
6. a medical procedure involving an incision with instruments; performed to repair damage or arrest disease in a living body
   • they will schedule the operation as soon as an operating room is available
   • he died while undergoing surgery
7. activity by a military or naval force (as a maneuver or campaign)
   • it was a joint operation of the navy and air force
8. (computer science) data processing in which the result is completely specified by a rule (especially the processing that results from a single instruction)
   • it can perform millions of operations per second
9. a planned activity involving many people performing various actions
   • they organized a rescue operation
   • the biggest police operation in French history
   • running a restaurant is quite an operation
   • consolidate the companies various operations
10. a business especially one run on a large scale
    • a large-scale farming operation
    • a multinational operation
    • they paid taxes on every stage of the operation
    • they had to consolidate their operations
11. the state of being in effect or being operative
    • that rule is no longer in operation

Synonyms

• mathematical process
• mathematical operation
• process
• cognitive process
• mental process
• cognitive operation
• functioning
• performance
• procedure
• surgery
• surgical operation
• surgical procedure
• surgical process
• military operation