What is the meaning of operating?

verb

• Direct or control; projects, businesses, etc..
  • usage: "She is running a relief operation in the Sudan"
  • synonyms: operate, run
• Perform as expected when applied.
  • usage: "The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in"; "Does this old car still run well"; "This old radio doesn't work anymore"
  • synonyms: function, work, operate, go, run
• Handle and cause to function.
  • usage: "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever"
  • synonyms: operate, control
• Perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense.
  • synonyms: manoeuver, maneuver, manoeuvre, operate
• Happen.
  • usage: "What is going on in the minds of the people"
  • synonyms: operate
• Keep engaged.
  • usage: "engaged the gears"
  • synonyms: engage, mesh, lock, operate
• Perform surgery on.
  • usage: "The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life"
  • synonyms: operate on, operate

adjective

• Involved in a kind of operation.
  • usage: "the operating conditions of the oxidation pond"
• Being in effect or operation.
  • usage: "de facto apartheid is still operational even in the `new' African nations- Leslie Marmon Silko; "bus service is in operation during the emergency"; "the company had several operating divisions"
  • synonyms: operational, in operation