Op`er*a"tion (?), n. [L.
operatio: cf. F. opération.] 1.
The act or process of operating; agency; the exertion of power,
physical, mechanical, or moral.
The pain and sickness caused by manna are the effects
of its operation on the stomach.
Locke.
Speculative painting, without the assistance of manual
operation, can never attain to perfection.
Dryden.
2. The method of working; mode of
action.
3. That which is operated or accomplished; an
effect brought about in accordance with a definite plan; as, military
or naval operations.
4. Effect produced; influence.
[Obs.]
The bards . . . had great operation on the
vulgar.
Fuller.
5. (Math.) Something to be done; some
transformation to be made upon quantities, the transformation being
indicated either by rules or symbols.
6. (Surg.) Any methodical action of
the hand, or of the hand with instruments, on the human body, to
produce a curative or remedial effect, as in amputation,
etc.
Calculus of operations. See under
Calculus.