noun. ['ˈɑːpɝˌeɪtɝ'] an agent that operates some apparatus or machine.
noun. ['ˈɑːpɝˌeɪtɝ'] someone who owns or operates a business.
noun. ['ˈɑːpɝˌeɪtɝ'] a shrewd or unscrupulous person who knows how to circumvent difficulties.