Operation
ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən
Definitions
3 meaningsA process or series of actions done to achieve a particular result.
ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən
A planned procedure involving action, often complex and involving several people or machines.
The rescue operation was hampered by the bad weather.
💡 Simply: Imagine setting up a fun game or a tricky project. An operation is all the steps and actions you need to take to make it happen. Like, a chef's operation in the kitchen to create a delicious meal!
👶 For kids: Doing something important that takes steps, like a game plan or a doctor fixing someone.
More Examples
The software upgrade required a complex operation.
The hospital's surgical operations are highly specialized.
How It's Used
"The military launched a surprise operation to secure the border."
"The patient underwent a successful heart operation."
"The company's day-to-day operations are managed by the COO."
A surgical procedure performed on a patient.
ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən
A surgical procedure carried out on a patient's body.
The doctor scheduled an operation to repair the broken bone.
💡 Simply: This one means when doctors use special tools to fix something inside your body! It's like fixing a toy, but with super precision.
👶 For kids: When a doctor fixes a boo-boo on the inside of a person's body.
More Examples
He needed an operation to remove the tumor.
The surgical operation was performed under general anesthesia.
How It's Used
"The patient had a successful operation to remove her appendix."
A mathematical or logical process performed on numbers or other elements.
ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən
The process of performing a mathematical or logical function.
The calculator performed the mathematical operation quickly.
💡 Simply: It's like doing a math problem. When you add, subtract, or multiply, you're doing an operation! It's a special action.
👶 For kids: A special math thing like adding or taking away.
More Examples
Division is an inverse operation of multiplication.
The program uses a series of logical operations to filter the data.
How It's Used
"Addition is a basic mathematical operation."
"The computer performed a complex operation on the data."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
business operation
The day-to-day activities needed to run a company.
"Streamlining the business operation can lead to greater profits."
military operation
A planned military action.
"The military launched a large-scale military operation."
undergo an operation
To have surgery.
"The patient will undergo an operation next week."
From Latin *operatio* (“a working, a performance, an action”), from *operari* (“to work”).
The word 'operation' has been used since the 16th century, originally referring to any action or process, expanding later to include specific medical and military contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a well-orchestrated mission—that's an operation.
Word Origin
"to work, perform, or operate"