Operating

Operating is the present participle of the verb operate. It describes the act of causing a device, system, or organization to function or to perform tasks. The term is used across domains to indicate status ("the machine is operating") or the conduct of activities ("the company is operating under new guidelines"). It is closely related to but distinct from operation (a procedure or act) and operational (adjective describing functionality).

In machinery and engineering, operating refers to the act of running a device and maintaining its performance within specified limits. The phrase operating condition describes the state of a machine under load, temperature, and other factors. Safe and efficient operation requires adherence to procedures, proper maintenance, and monitoring for abnormal conditions.

In medicine, an operation is a surgical procedure; the term operating is used in phrases such as operating room (or operating theatre) where such procedures are performed. In this context, operating emphasizes the performance of surgery rather than diagnosis or observation. Postoperative care follows the operation.

In business and information technology, operating relates to the functions of a company or system. Operations is the set of ongoing activities that produce goods or deliver services. In finance, operating income measures profitability from core operations. In computing, operating systems manage hardware and software resources, coordinating tasks and interfaces for users and applications.