Operator Meaning

UK /ˈɒpəreɪtə/
US /ˈoʊpəreɪtər/
Word Definition
operator meaning

Operator Definition & Usage

noun

A person who operates equipment or machinery, typically in a workplace such as a factory, office, or technical environment.

Examples

  • "The operator adjusted the settings on the machine to ensure it ran smoothly."
  • "He works as an operator at a call center, managing customer service calls all day."
  • "The factory operator ensures that all machinery functions efficiently to meet production targets."
  • "Operators must undergo training to manage complex systems like power plants and factories."
  • "She was hired as a machine operator at the manufacturing plant to oversee production lines."
noun

A mathematical symbol or function that represents an operation to be performed on one or more values.

Examples

  • "In algebra, the addition operator '+' is used to sum numbers."
  • "The operator in the equation signifies multiplication between the two variables."
  • "You need to use the right operator when solving this equation to get the correct result."
  • "In programming, operators like '&&' are used to combine boolean values."
  • "Differentiation is a key operator in calculus, used to find the rate of change of a function."
noun

A person or company that provides services such as telecommunications, transport, or utilities.

Examples

  • "The mobile operator launched a new plan with better data options for customers."
  • "The transportation operator efficiently managed the fleet of buses during rush hour."
  • "Utility operators are responsible for maintaining the power grid across the region."
  • "The airline operator announced new routes to expand its network of flights."
  • "As an operator in the telecommunications sector, he was involved in the company's expansion plans."

Cultural Context

The word 'operator' has a long history, dating back to Latin, where it meant 'one who works.' Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to those who manage complex systems, from machinery in factories to telecommunication systems. In mathematics, it has been adopted to describe symbols that denote specific functions in equations. The term 'operator' is also widely used in business to refer to those who run services, especially in utilities, transport, and communication sectors.

The Operator's Dilemma

Story

The Operator's Dilemma

Lena sat in the small control room, her eyes scanning the various screens in front of her. The hum of the machinery outside was a constant presence, but she was used to it. As a machine operator at one of the largest manufacturing plants in the region, she had learned to trust the system and rely on her training to keep everything running smoothly. Today, however, things weren’t as smooth as usual. A slight glitch in one of the machines had caused a delay in production, and Lena had to figure out how to fix it without halting the entire operation. The plant’s operator manual was filled with technical jargon, but after years of working in the industry, she knew how to navigate it. Her fingers flew over the keyboard as she entered commands, testing the various systems in sequence. In the meantime, across the room, Chris, a math student doing an internship at the plant, was struggling with his assignment. He had been learning about operators in his calculus class and couldn’t wrap his mind around how they worked. 'Isn’t it just like what Lena does?' he wondered aloud. Lena overheard him and smiled. 'In a way, yes. I'm the operator of these machines, and you're working with mathematical operators.' She pointed at the screen where she had just entered a command. 'It's all about performing a function on something, whether it's a piece of equipment or a number.' Chris nodded, still puzzled, but the analogy helped him understand the abstract concept a little better. As Lena finally fixed the issue and the machines hummed back to life, she looked at Chris with a grin. 'See? Operators do all kinds of things. But in the end, it’s all about making things work efficiently.' Chris chuckled and turned back to his work, now seeing the word 'operator' in a whole new light. It wasn’t just about machines or math. It was about problem-solving and making systems run smoothly, whether in a factory or in an equation.

The Operator's Dilemma