ENGLISH
REFERENCE

operated

v. · adj.
US //ˈɑpɝˌeɪtəd// UK //ˈɒpəɹˌeɪtɪd// op·er·at·ed
  1. 1 worked or functioned (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    worked or functioned in a particular way.

    functioned or performed a regular function, often describing a business or a mechanical system.

    Example

    The small family business operated out of a garage for ten years.

    Example

    The underground network operated in total secrecy for months before the authorities finally intercepted their encrypted communications.
  2. 2 controlled a machine (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    controlled or used a machine or piece of equipment.

    controlled the functioning of a machine, vehicle, or complex apparatus.

    Example

    He operated the heavy crane with great skill on the building site.

    Example

    The technician operated the delicate laboratory equipment with a level of precision that only comes from years of specialised training.
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  1. 3 performed surgery (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    performed a medical operation on a patient.

    performed a surgical procedure on a patient to treat a condition.

    Example

    The surgeons operated on his knee to fix the sports injury.

    Example

    The medical team operated on the casualty for six hours, successfully stabilising her condition despite the severity of the internal injuries.

    Usage

    Usually takes the preposition 'on' before the patient or body part.
    • performed surgery
  2. 4 powered by (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    powered or controlled by a specific thing, like a battery.

    functioning by means of a specified power source or control method; almost always used in compound constructions.

    Example

    The children played with a battery-operated car in the garden.

    Example

    The remote research station relies entirely on solar-operated equipment to monitor the local climate patterns during the summer months.

    Usage

    Typically appears as the second part of a hyphenated compound adjective.
  3. 5 having had surgery (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    describing a person or body part that has just had a medical operation.

    having recently undergone a surgical procedure.

    Example

    The nurse checked the operated area for any signs of redness.

    Example

    Post-operative care focuses on keeping the operated limb elevated to reduce swelling and encourage faster tissue recovery.

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