1. Being in effect or operation
   "the company had several operating divisions";
   - operational, in operation
    
2. Involved in a kind of operation
   "the operating conditions of the oxidation pond"

1. Handle and cause to function
   "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol";
   - control
    
2. Perform as intended or designed
   "This old radio doesn't operate anymore";
   - function, work, go, run
    
3. Direct or control (projects, businesses, etc.)
   "She is operating a relief operation in the Sudan";
   - run
    
4. Keep engaged
   "operated the gears";
   - engage, mesh, lock
    
5. (medicine) perform surgery on
   "The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life";
   - operate on

See also: operative

Type of: care for, direct, displace, do, execute, manipulate, move, perform, treat

Encyclopedia: Operating