Operation

Definition

Operation refers to the act or process of functioning, working, or being active. It is often used to describe activities in various contexts such as military, medical, or technical fields, or mathematical procedures. As a noun, it denotes a procedure or an organized action.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɑː.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: AH-puh-RAY-shuhn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: OP-uh-RAY-shuhn

Etymology

The word "operation" originates from the Latin "operatio," meaning "a working" or "activity," derived from "operari" (to work) and "opus" (work or task). It entered Middle English in the late 14th century through Old French.

Derivatives

• Operator (noun)
• Operational (adjective)
• Operate (verb)
• Operative (noun/adjective)
• Operations (plural noun, in business or military contexts)

Synonyms

• Procedure
• Process
• Function

Antonyms

• Inactivity
• Idleness
• None

Usage

The term "operation" is widely used across fields. For example, in a medical context: "The patient underwent a successful surgical operation." In business: "The company’s operations span multiple countries." In mathematics: "Addition is a basic arithmetic operation."

Related Terms

• Procedure: A series of steps followed in a specific order.
• System: A group of interacting components working together.
• Execution: The act of carrying out a plan or task.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The process of working or being active: Describes functioning or activity in general.
  • Example: "The factory's operations were halted due to maintenance."
• A surgical procedure: Refers to a medical intervention involving surgery.
  • Example: "The surgeon performed a complicated operation."
• A mathematical procedure: Refers to basic actions like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division.
  • Example: "The operation of multiplication simplifies calculations."
• An organized activity or mission: Commonly used in military, business, or technical contexts.
  • Example: "The military operation was a success."