DictionaryoperationMathematical process
noun

operation

A rule-based calculation applied to mathematical quantities.

The student performs each mathematical operation in the correct order.

Etymology

The older word means working or performing an action. Mathematics applies it to a defined procedure that acts on quantities to produce a result.

More examples

  • Addition is an operation on numbers.
  • The program repeats the same operation for every row.
  • Several operations are needed to solve the expression.

Forms

operation · operations

Similar words

calculation
The whole working process rather than one rule-based action.