(transitive or intransitive) To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.

The method by which a device performs its function. / The method or practice by which actions are done. / The act or process of operating; agency; the exertion of power, physical, mechanical, or moral.

An operative person or thing. / (psychology) Any of a class of behaviors that produce consequences by operating (i.e., acting) upon the environment.

One who operates. / A telecommunications facilitator whose job is to establish temporary network connections.

That operates to produce an effect.

plural of operation

plural of operative

In operation; that operates. / Involved in an operation.

present participle and gerund of operate

An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill. / A spy, secret agent, or detective. / A participant in an operation.