01 n. The act or process of operating; agency; the exertion of power, physical, mechanical, or moral.
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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.
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2.
The method of working; mode of action.
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3.
That which is operated or accomplished; an effect brought about in accordance with a definite plan; as, military or naval operations.
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4.
Effect produced; influence.[Obs.]“The bards . . . had great operation on the vulgar.” — Fuller.
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5.
Something to be done; some transformation to be made upon quantities or mathematical objects, the transformation being indicated either by rules or symbols.(Math.)
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6.
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.(Surg.)
Phrases & compounds
Calculus of operations —
See under Calculus.