Op`er*am"e*ter (?), n. [L. opus, operis, pl. opera work + -meter.] An
instrument or machine for measuring work done, especially for
ascertaining the number of rotations made by a machine or wheel in
manufacturing cloth; a counter. Ure.
{ Op"er*ance (?), Op"er*an*cy (?), } n. The act of operating or
working; operation. [R.]
Op"er*and (?), n. [From neuter of L. operandus, gerundive of operari.
See Operate.] (Math.) The symbol, quantity, or thing upon which a
mathematical operation is performed; -- called also faciend.
Op"er*ant (?), a. [L. operans, p. pr. of operari. See Operate.]
Operative. [R.] Shak. -- n. An operative person or thing. [R.]
Coleridge.
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]
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**at"ic (?), Op`er*at"ic*al (?), } a. Of or pertaining to the
opera or to operas; characteristic of, or resembling, the opera.
Op`er*a"tion (?), n. [L. operatio: cf. F. opération.] 1. The act or
process of operating; agency; the exertion of power, physical,
mechanical, or moral.
The pain and sickness caused by manna are the effects of its
operation on the stomach.
Locke.
Speculative painting, without the assistance of manual operation,
can never attain to perfection.
Dryden.