different between operational vs operatory

English

Etymology

operation +? -al

Adjective

operational (comparative more operational, superlative most operational)

1. Of or relating to operations, especially military operations.
2. Functioning and ready for use.
   • 1977, George Lucas, Governor Tarkin in Star Wars,

     Princess Leia, before your execution, you will join me at a ceremony that will make this battle station operational. No star system will dare oppose the Emperor now.

3. Effective or operative.
4. Determined by means of practical measures.

Derived terms

• operationalize
• operationalism
• operationalist
• pre-operational

Translations

English

Etymology

Originally from Medieval Latin oper?t?rium, from a participle of Late Latin operor. The modern senses may be derived independently of the obsolete senses.

Adjective

operatory (not comparable)

1. (obsolete) effective; practical; operative [16th–17th c.]
2. Of or relating to operations.

Noun

operatory (plural operatories)

1. (obsolete) A laboratory. [16th–17th c.]
2. (medicine) A room in which a dentist (or assistant) performs tasks away from the patient. [from 20th c.]

References

• James A. H. Murray [et al.], editors (1884–1928) , “Operatory”, in A New English Dictionary on Historical Principles (Oxford English Dictionary), volume VII (O–P), London: Clarendon Press, OCLC 15566697, page 146, column 1.

Anagrams

• aerotropy