operant

[ op-er-uhnt ]

adjective

1. operating; operating; producing effects.

noun

1. a person or thing that operates.

operant

/ ˈɒpərənt /

adjective

1. producing effects; operating

noun

1. a person or thing that operates
2. psychol any response by an organism that is not directly caused by a stimulus

Word History and Origins

Origin of operant¹

1595–1605; < Late Latin operant- (stem of operāns, present participle of operārī; operate ); -ant

Example Sentences

In this case, I suspect, there was co-operant a strongly marked childish characteristic, the love of producing an effect.

From Project Gutenberg

Feelings are associated with one another according as they have been operant in more or less frequent succession.

From Project Gutenberg

A permanent revulsion was operant in her, which intensified as time wore on.

From Project Gutenberg

Their religion was simply patriotism, but it was quite as operant and effective as Christian piety has ever been.

From Project Gutenberg

Even when our consciousness is for the moment completely in abeyance—as when we are asleep—the subconscious continues operant.

From Project Gutenberg

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