(1) To work on the body by the hands or by means of cutting or other instrument. (2) To perform a surgical procedure. (3) To cause a movement of the bowels; said of a laxative or cathartic remedy. (4) Used to describe the action of using an instrument to achieve a diagnostic or therapeutic endpoint (e.g., to operate an instrument). [L. operor, pp. -atus, to work, fr. opus, work]
