operate
verb
uk/ˈɒpəreɪt/ us [ T ]
to use or control equipment or a machine or to make something work:
Older people are returning to classrooms for instruction in everything from operating a mouse to mastering spreadsheets.
[ I ]
if a business, system, etc. operates in a particular way, it works or is used in that way:
Changes are being introduced to make the department operate more profitably.
Exchange rates are currently operating to the advantage of exporters.
operate as sth The company operates as an international delivery service for produce trading companies.
operate through sb/sth Centralized lenders operate through mortgage brokers and insurance companies.
operate at sth The plant is operating at barely 30% of capacity.
[ I ]
to do business in or from a particular place:
operate across/in/from sth We operate in 50 countries around the world.
We have representatives operating in most countries.
operate out of sth The organization operates out of a small office in the centre of town.
[ T ]
to manage a business, service, etc. and make it work:
The company operated 156 fewer stores this year.
We began operating a pilot service earlier this year.
Does the company operate a pension plan?