operate - Wiktionary, the free dictionary operate (third-person singular simple present operates, present participle operating, simple past and past participle operated) (transitive or intransitive) To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act
operate - definition and meaning - Wordnik To perform or be at work; exert force or influence; act: with on or upon governing the object of the action: as, the sculptor operates on the clay or marble of which he makes his figures; a machine operates on the raw materials submitted to it