operant

/ˈɒpər(ə)nt/ /ˈɑːpər(ə)nt/

Meanings

noun

An operative person or thing.

Examples :

"The robotic arm in the assembly line is the primary operant, carefully placing parts onto the chassis. "

person thing

noun

Any of a class of behaviors that produce consequences by operating (i.e., acting) upon the environment.

Examples :

"A child saying "please" to receive a treat is an example of an operant; the action operates on the parent to produce the desired reward. "

theory mind action science

adjective

That operates to produce an effect.

Examples :

"The operant handbrake effectively stopped the car from rolling down the hill. "

theory science mind

Related Words

behaviors noun

/bɪˈheɪvjərz/ /bɪˈheɪvɪərz/

Human conduct relative to social norms.

"At school, the teacher discussed which student behaviors are acceptable and which are not. "

effectively adverb

/ɪˈfɛktɪvli/ /əˈfɛktɪvli/

In an efficient or effective manner; with powerful effect.

"The teacher effectively explained the complex math problem, making it easier for the students to understand. "

operates verb

/ˈɒpəreɪts/ /ˈɑːpəreɪts/

To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.

"The coffee machine operates with the push of a button. "

primary noun

/ˈpɹɒeməɹi/ /ˈpɹaɪməɹi/

A primary election; a preliminary election to select a political candidate of a political party.

"The primary for the school board was held next Tuesday. "

handbrake noun

/ˈhændbreɪk/ /ˈhæmˌbɹeɪk/

A brake in a vehicle, set by hand, and usually locking on until released by hand, enabling its use when parked.

"She pulled the handbrake up tightly before getting out of the car to drop off her son at school. "

operating verb

/ˈɒpəɹeɪtɪŋ/ /ˈɑpəɹeɪtɪŋ/

To perform a work or labour; to exert power or strength, physical or mechanical; to act.

"The doctor is operating on the patient's leg. "

environment noun

/-mɪnt/

The surroundings of, and influences on, a particular item of interest.

"The noisy environment of the school cafeteria made it difficult to concentrate on my homework. "

carefully adverb

/ˈkɛːfli/ /ˈkɛɹfli/

Sorrowfully.

"He listened carefully to his mother's concerns, feeling sorrowful about her disappointment. "

consequences noun

/ˈkɑnsɪkwɛnsɪz/

That which follows something on which it depends; that which is produced by a cause.

"If you don't study for the test, the consequences will be a bad grade. "

robotic adjective

/ɹəʊˈbɒt.ɪk/ /ɹoʊˈbɑt.ɪk/

Of, relating to, or resembling a robot; mechanical, lacking emotion or personality, etc.

"The cashier's voice was robotic and monotone, showing no friendliness at all. "

assembly noun

/əˈsɛmb.lɪ/ /əˈsɛmb.li/

A set of pieces that work together in unison as a mechanism or device.

"In order to change the bearing, you must first remove the gearbox assembly."

operative noun

/ˈɒpəɹətɪv/

An employee or other worker with some particular function or skill.

"The factory employs a skilled operative who is responsible for assembling the electronic components. "