The bards . . . had great operation on the vulgar.
Fuller.
5. (Math.) Something to be done; some transformation to be made upon
quantities, the transformation being indicated either by rules or
symbols.
6. (Surg.) Any methodical action of the hand, or of the hand with
instruments, on the human body, to produce a curative or remedial
effect, as in amputation, etc.
Calculus of operations. See under Calculus.
Op"er*a*tive (?), a. [Cf.L. operativus, F. opératif.] 1. Having the
power of acting; hence, exerting force, physical or moral; active in
the production of effects; as, an operative motive.
It holds in all operative principles.
South.
2. Producing the appropriate or designed effect; efficacious; as, an
operative dose, rule, or penalty.
3. (Surg.) Based upon, or consisting of, an operation or operations;
as, operative surgery.
Op"er*a*tive, n. A skilled worker; an artisan; esp., one who operates a
machine in a mill or manufactory.
Op"er*a*tive*ly, adv. In an operative manner.
Op"er*a`tor (?), n. [L.] 1. One who, or that which, operates or
produces an effect.
2. (Surg.) One who performs some act upon the human body by means of
the hand, or with instruments.
3. A dealer in stocks or any commodity for speculative purposes; a
speculator. [Brokers' Cant]
4. (Math.) The symbol that expresses the operation to be performed; --
called also facient.