Dictionary

1operant

adjective op·er·ant \ˈä-pə-rənt\

Definition of OPERANT

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>
op·er·ant·ly adverb
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of OPERANT

15th century

2operant

noun

Definition of OPERANT

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

First Known Use of OPERANT

1937

Browse

2 ENTRIES FOUND:
Next Word in the Dictionary: operant conditioningPrevious Word in the Dictionary: operandAll Words Near: operant
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears