operator

Everyday

1. A person who works a machine or equipment: «a crane operator». tree →
2. A person who answers phone calls and connects people, like an emergency operator. tree →
3. A company that runs a service: «a tour operator», «a mobile phone operator». tree →
4. (maths) A symbol for an operation, like + − × ÷. tree →

In the lessons

In maths: the operators +, −, × and ÷ tell you which operation to do; the order of operations tells you which to do first. In safety: when you call 999, 911, 000 or 111 an emergency operator asks «Which service?» and where you are. Phrases: «emergency operator», «machine operator», «tour operator».

Examples

• The emergency operator asked for our address. tree →
• The crane operator lifted the steel beams. tree →
• In 5 + 3, the operator is the plus sign. tree →
• Choose the right operator to make the sum true: 6 _ 2 = 12. tree →
• The tour operator organised our trip. tree →
• Stay calm and listen to the operator. tree →

Note

«An operator». Verb: operate; noun: operation. In maths, the operation is the action (adding) and the operator is its sign (+). Countable.