operator

n 1: (mathematics) a symbol that represents a function from

functions to functions; "the integral operator"

2: an agent that operates some apparatus or machine; "the

operator of the switchboard" [syn: {manipulator}]

3: someone who owns or operates a business; "who is the

operator of this franchise?"

4: (informal) a shrewd or unscrupulous person who knows how to

circumvent difficulties [syn: {hustler}, {wheeler dealer}]

5: a speculator who trades aggressively on stock or commodity

markets

operator

A symbol used as a {function}, with {infix

syntax} if it has two arguments (e.g. ":") or {prefix syntax} if

it has only one (e.g. {Boolean} NOT). Many languages use

operators for built-in functions such as arithmetic and logic.

(1995-04-30)