1 operant | Definition of operant
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operant

adjective
op·​er·​ant | \ ˈä-pə-rənt How to pronounce operant (audio) \

Definition of operant

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : functioning or tending to produce effects : effective an operant conscience
2 : of or relating to the observable or measurable
3 : of, relating to, or being an operant or operant conditioning operant behavior

operant

noun

Definition of operant (Entry 2 of 2)

: behavior (such as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects

Other Words from operant

Adjective

operantly adverb

First Known Use of operant

Adjective

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1937, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for operant

Adjective

Middle English, borrowed from Late Latin operant-, operans, present participle of operārī "to work, be efficacious, effect, produce" — more at operate

Noun

derivative of operant entry 1

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More Definitions for operant

operant

adjective
op·​er·​ant | \ ˈäp-ə-rənt How to pronounce operant (audio) \

Medical Definition of operant

 (Entry 1 of 2)

: of, relating to, or being an operant or operant conditioning operant behavior — compare respondent

Other Words from operant

operantly adverb

operant

noun

Medical Definition of operant (Entry 2 of 2)

: behavior (as bar pressing by a rat to obtain food) that operates on the environment to produce rewarding and reinforcing effects

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