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Glite Dictionary
machine operation

machine operation

3.4
A basic task a computer or machine does as part of its program
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : operación de máquina
  • Understanding machine operation is crucial for anyone working in a manufacturing environment.

Examples

  • Programming for defining machine operation and coordinating motion and I/O operations without programming.

    Academic text (1994)

  • Also covered is the system's use with the company's development foundations, such as QuickStart for automatic configuration of I/O type, point density, and rack location; and Machine Sequence Programming for defining machine operation and coordinating motion and I/O operations without programming.

    Academic text (1994)

  • The technician explained the basics of machine operation to the new employees during their training.

  • The factory improved efficiency by automating several machine operations in the production line.

Synonyms

operation
vsmachine operation
403 3.4

The way a machine or system works

is about a single designed action within an instruction set rather than general functioning
computer operation
vsmachine operation
  • Specialized
3.9

A basic action a computer does, like adding or comparing numbers

is defined as a basic action forming part of an instruction set

How Basic

machine operation
  • Specialized
3.4
task
∞ 1.0
operation
403 3.4
microprogramming
  • Specialized
8.2

Surface Forms

machine operation singular
machine operations plural

Morphology

machine + operation

The meaning 'a basic operation a computer or machine performs' is directly and compositionally derived from 'machine' (a powered device) + 'operation' (a process or action). This is a straightforward, cross-linguistically common noun-noun combination and would be understandable to a B1 learner who knows both constituent words, despite the slight technical specificity.

Etymology

The term machine operation comes from the image of a machine doing one small operation, like a robot lifting a part or turning a wheel. So, machine operation means 'a basic action a machine is made to do'.