operate
Meaning
to function or cause to function; to work.
to perform a surgical procedure on a patient.
to manage or control the functioning of a machine, business, or system.
Structure
Usage
the machine can operate for hours without overheating.
the surgeon will operate on the patient tomorrow morning.
the company operates in over thirty countries worldwide.
Etymology
the word 'operate' originates from the latin verb 'operari', meaning 'to work, toil, or be active', itself derived from the noun 'opus' (work). the suffix '-ate' was a common latin participial ending that evolved into an english verb-forming suffix. the term entered english in the early 17th century, initially meaning 'to perform work or labor'. its meaning specialized in medicine to 'perform surgery' by the late 18th century, while its use for controlling machinery became prominent with the industrial revolution, logically extending from the core concept of causing something to work.
Analysis
oper is from latin 'operari' meaning 'to work'. ate is a verb-forming suffix from latin '-atus'.