operation

op•er•a•tion

[[t]ˌɒp əˈreɪ ʃən[/t]] n.

1) an act or instance, process, or manner of functioning or operating

2) the state of being operative (usu. prec. by in or into):

a rule no longer in operation[/ex]

3) the power to act; efficacy, influence, or force

4) the exertion of force, power, or influence; agency

5) a process of a practical or mechanical nature

6) a business transaction, esp. one of a speculative nature; deal

7) a business, esp. one run on a large scale

8) srg a procedure aimed at restoring or improving the health of a patient, as by correcting a malformation, removing diseased parts, implanting new parts, etc

9) math.

a) a mathematical process, as addition, multiplication, or differentiation

b) the action of applying a mathematical process to a quantity or quantities

10) mil

a) a military campaign, mission, maneuver, or action

b) Usu., operations. the conduct of such a campaign, mission, etc

c) mil operations, a headquarters, office, etc., from which such activity is conducted

d) operations, the staff at such a headquarters

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Etymology: 1350–1400; ME < L