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operation
/ˌɒpəˈreɪʃən/
a planned series of actions or procedures
The surgeon performed a delicate operation to remove the tumor.
The surgeon conducted a precise medical procedure to extract the tumor.
Medicine
formal
a planned series of actions or procedures, especially in a medical, military, or business context
The operation was a success, and the patient recovered quickly.
The medical procedure was successful, and the patient made a swift recovery.
In medicine, this refers to a surgical procedure.
formal
a military action or campaign
The operation aimed to secure the border region.
The military campaign was designed to control the border area.
In a military context, this refers to a planned action or campaign.
Business
formal
a business activity or process, often involving multiple steps
The company launched a new marketing operation to boost sales.
The company initiated a new marketing campaign to increase revenue.
In business, this refers to a planned activity or process.
Technology
technical
a computational process or function in technology
The operation of the algorithm was optimized for speed.
The computational process of the algorithm was enhanced for efficiency.
In technology, this refers to a computational or functional process.
Collocations
military operationa planned military actionsurgical operationa medical procedure involving surgerybusiness operationa planned business activity
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context Matters
The meaning of 'operation' varies significantly depending on the context. Pay attention to the field or domain in which it is used.
Gold Rule
Precision in Usage
Always use 'operation' in the correct context to avoid confusion. For example, a 'surgical operation' is different from a 'military operation'.
Word Origin
From Latin 'operatio', meaning 'working, action', from 'operari' meaning 'to work'.
Usage Notes
The word 'operation' is versatile and can refer to various types of planned actions or procedures in different fields.
Word Breakdown
oper
work, action
root-ation
the process or result of
suffixEnglish Dictionary