B1nounhealthbusiness
US/ˌɑː.pəˈreɪ.ʃən/
UK/ˌɒp.əˈreɪ.ʃən/
when a doctor cuts into someone's body to repair or remove something; also a planned activity
In context
My grandfather had an operation on his knee and is now walking again.
The rescue operation went on all night after the landslide.
The new metro line will come into operation by the end of the year.
Words that go with operation
verb + noun
- have an operationShe had an operation to remove her appendix.
- perform an operationThe surgeon performed an operation that lasted six hours.
noun + noun
- rescue operationSoldiers joined the rescue operation in the flooded villages.
noun + preposition
- in operationThe old factory is no longer in operation.
- operation onThe footballer needs an operation on his ankle.
adjective + noun
- major operationHeart surgery is a major operation that needs weeks of rest.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
My mother made an operation last month.Correct: My mother had an operation last month.