Op"er*ate , v. t. 1. To
produce, as an effect; to
cause.
The same cause would operate a diminution of the value of
stock.
A.
Hamilton. 2. To put into, or to continue in, operation or activity; to work; as, to operate a machine.
Op"er*ate (?), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Operated (?);
p. pr. & vb. n.
Operating.]
[L. operatus, p. p. of
operari to work, fr. opus, operis, work, labor; akin to Skr. apas, and also to G.
üben to exercise, OHG. uoben, Icel. &?;fa. Cf. Inure, Maneuver, Ure.]
1. To perform a work or labor; to exert power or strengh, physical or mechanical; to act.
2. To produce an appropriate physical effect; to issue in the
result designed by nature; especially
(Med.), to take appropriate effect on the human
system.
3. To act or produce effect on the mind; to exert moral power or influence.
The virtues of private persons operate but on a few.
Atterbury. A plain, convincing reason operates on the mind both
of a learned and ignorant hearer as long as they live.
Swift. 4. (Surg.)
To perform some manual act upon a human body in
a methodical manner, and usually with instruments, with a view to restore soundness or health, as in
amputation, lithotomy, etc.
5.
To deal in stocks or any
commodity with a view to speculative profits. [Brokers' Cant]
Hear it pronounced