operation

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/, SAMPA: /%Qp@"reIS@n/
• (US) IPA ^(key): /ˌɑːpəˈreɪʃən/, SAMPA: /%A:p@"reIS@n/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Noun

Singular operation

Plural operations

1. An operation is a medical process, often opening the human body.

   The doctors performed the operation in three hours.

2. An operation is an action of a group of people working for a goal (often military).

   The Army operation was a success.

3. An operation is part or all of a business. (often plural)

   The company's East Coast operation was bigger than its West Coast operation.

4. (mathematics) An operation is a symbol that is used to perform a specific operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication or division) in maths.

   The plus symbol is used to perform a specific operation in maths which is addition.

Synonyms

• (actions of a group) project
• (medical process) surgery, procedure

Related words

• operational
• operationally
• operate