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operation
operation
1. A function from Sm (see Cartesian product) into S itself, where S is some set specific to the function. Such a function is usually referred to as an m-ary or m-adic operation over S, m being some natural number, sometimes referred to as the arity of the operation. The most common operations are the dyadic (or binary) operations that map S × S into S and the monadic (or unary) operations that map S into S. The case where the arity is zero gives the so-called nullary operations, which correspond simply to elements of S. There is also a more general kind of operation that involves more than one set. For example, in a finite-state automaton the next state depends on the current input symbol and the current state, and is thus given by a dyadic operation from I × Q into Q, where I is the set of input symbols and Q the set of states. See also logic operation, arithmetic operation, operations on sets. 2. Another name for instruction (in a computer), as designated by an operation code. 3. In a programming language. Whatever is carried out by an operator (def. 2), or, more generally, anything that can take place within a program: a declaration, an assignment, a selection, a loop, the call of a function, and so on. |
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Cite this article
JOHN DAINTITH. "operation." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. JOHN DAINTITH. "operation." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-operation.html JOHN DAINTITH. "operation." A Dictionary of Computing. 2004. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O11-operation.html |
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operation
op·er·a·tion / ˌäpəˈrāshən/ • n. 1. the fact or condition of functioning or being active: the construction and operation of power stations some of these ideas could be put into operation. ∎ an active process; a discharge of a function: the operations of the mind. ∎ a business organization; a company: he reopened his operation under a different name. ∎ an activity in which such an organization is involved: the company is selling most of its commercial banking operations. 2. an act of surgery performed on a patient. 3. a piece of organized and concerted activity involving a number of people, esp. members of the armed forces or the police: a rescue operation military operations. ∎ (Operation) preceding a code name for such an activity: Operation Desert Storm. 4. Math. a process in which a number, quantity, expression, etc., is altered or manipulated according to formal rules, such as those of addition, multiplication, and differentiation. |
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Cite this article
"operation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "operation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-operation.html "operation." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-operation.html |
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operation
operation n.
1. a piece of organized and concerted activity involving a number of people, especially members of the armed forces or the police: a rescue operation | military operations. 2. Operation preceding a code name for such an activity: Operation Desert Storm. For entries beginning with Operation, please see the second part of the name. |
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Cite this article
"operation." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. 27 May. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "operation." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Encyclopedia.com. (May 27, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-operation.html "operation." The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military. 2001. Retrieved May 27, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O63-operation.html |
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