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operator (n.)
1590s, "one who performs mechanical or surgical operations," agent noun from operate (v.) or from Late Latin operator "a worker." Meaning "one who carries on business shrewdly" is from 1828. Specific sense of "one who works a telephone switchboard" (1884) grew out of earlier meaning "one who works a telegraph" (1847).
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Definitions of operator
Dictionary entries near operator
operatic
operation
operational
operationalize
operative
operator
operculum
operetta
operose
Ophelia
ophidian