Definitions for operating

(direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.; "She is running a relief operation in the Sudan")

(perform as expected when applied; "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")

(handle and cause to function; "do not operate machinery after imbibing alcohol"; "control the lever")

(perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense)

(happen; "What is going on in the minds of the people?")

(keep engaged; "engaged the gears")

(perform surgery on; "The doctors operated on the patient but failed to save his life")

(involved in a kind of operation; "the operating conditions of the oxidation pond")

(being in effect or operation; "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")