1 [I,T] to work, or to make sth work 操作；操控；运作: I don't understand how this machine operates. 我不懂这部机器是怎样运作的。These switches here operate the central heating. 这里的开关可控制中央暖气系统。 [SYN] function 同义词为function

2 [I,T] to do business; to manage sth 经营（业务）；管理: The firm operates from its central office in Bristol. 那家公司由设于布里斯托尔的总部管理。

3 [I] to act or to have an effect 起作用；产生影响: Several factors were operating to our advantage. 当时有几个因素都对我们起有利的作用。

4 [I] operate (on sb/sth) (for sth) to cut open a person's body in hospital in order to deal with a part that is damaged, infected, etc （给某人身体某部位）动手术，开刀: The surgeon is going to operate on her in the morning. 外科医生将于早上替她动手术。He was operated on for appendicitis. 他因阑尾炎而动了手术。