operatory

== English == === Etymology === Originally from Medieval Latin operātōrium, from a participle of Late Latin operor. The modern senses may be derived independently of the obsolete senses. === Adjective === operatory (not comparable) (obsolete) effective; practical; operative [16th–17th c.] Of or relating to operations. ==== Derived terms ==== === Noun === operatory (plural operatories) (obsolete) A laboratory. [16th–17th c.] (medicine) A room in which a dentist (or assistant) performs tasks on 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, page 146, column 1. === Anagrams === aerotropy