2 entries 1 source
Operate
Open directlyWebster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 1 of 2
Part of speech: verb (v.)
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. 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]
Webster's 1828 Dictionary · 1828 2 of 2
Part of speech: verb (v.)
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.