Etymologically
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operational

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 16 October 2026 at 12:39. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • IPA: /ˌɒp.əˈɹeɪ.ʃə.nəl/ (UK); /ˌɑ.pəˈɹeɪ.ʃə.nəl/, /ˌɑ.pɚˈeɪ.ʃə.nəl/ (US)[1]

Etymology

It is formed from operation and -al.[2][3]

Earliest recorded meaning

Pertaining to operations: 1922 in the OED and Etymonline,[4][2] the early 20th century in SOED.[3] MWU dates its mathematical sense to 1885.[5]

Semantic evolution

It came into common use with military operations: engaged in active operations, as opposed to training or reserve.[3] In mathematics, involving operators, it is from 1927.[4] Operational research, investigation of military and later business problems by mathematical methods, is from 1941.[4] Ready for use, in working order, is from 1944.[2][4] The operational amplifier of electronics is from 1947.[4]

Timeline

  • 1885 – in mathematics (MWU).[5]
  • 1922 – pertaining to operations.[4][2]
  • 1941 – operational research.[4]
  • 1944 – ready for use.[2][4]
  • 1947 – operational amplifier.[4]

Modern meaning

Adjective

  1. Ready for use, in working order; functioning.
  2. Relating to an operation or series of operations.
  3. (military) Involved in, or intended for, military operations.

Word family

  • operationally
  • nonoperational
  • preoperational
  • operationalism
  • operational calculus

References

  1. ^ Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b c d e Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c Shorter Oxford English Dictionary on Historical Principles (2002), 5th ed., ed. William R. Trumble and Angus Stevenson, Oxford: Oxford University Press
  4. ^ a b c d e f g h i Simpson, J. A.; Weiner, E. S. C., eds. (1989), The Oxford English Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Clarendon Press
  5. ^ a b Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary (2024), online ed., Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster