operate

Universal Words verb machine 1 [V] to work in a particular way SYNFUNCTION: Most domestic freezers operate at below -18 ｰC. * Solar panels can only operate in sunlight. * (figurative) Some people can only operate well under pressure. 2 [VN] to use or control a machine or make it work: What skills are needed to operate this machinery? system / process / service 3 to be used or working; to use sth or make it work: [V] A new late-night service is now operating. * The regulation operates in favour of married couples. * [VN] The airline operates flights to 25 countries. * France operates a system of subsidized loans to dairy farmers. of business / organization 4 [V] to work in a particular way or from a particular place: They plan to operate from a new office in Edinburgh. * Illegal drinking clubs continue to operate in the city. medical 5 [V] ~ (on sb) (for sth) to cut open sb's body in order to remove a part that has a disease or to repair a part that is damaged: The doctors operated last night. * We will have to operate on his eyes. * to operate for suspected acute appendicitis of soldiers 6 [V] to be involved in military activities in a place: Troops are operating from bases in the north.