Meaning of the word "operate on" in English

What does "operate on" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

operate on

US /ˈɑp.ə.reɪt ɑn/
UK /ˈɒp.ə.reɪt ɒn/

Phrasal Verb

1.

to perform a medical operation on someone

Example:
The doctors decided to operate on the patient immediately.
She had to be operated on for appendicitis.
2.

to work or function in a particular way

Example:
The new system will operate on a different principle.
This machine operates on electricity.