operator

op|e|ra|tor [ˈɔpəreıtə US ˈa:pəreıtər] n

1.) someone who works on a telephone ↑switchboard, who you can call for help

▪ Hello, operator? Could you put me through to Room 31?

2.) someone who operates a machine or piece of equipment

machine/computer/radio etc operator

▪ computers which can be used by untrained operators

3.) a person or company that operates a particular business

▪ new regulations affecting taxi operators

▪ Julian travelled with Caribbean Connection, the UK 's leading Caribbean tour operator (=company that arranges holidays) .

▪ a private operator running regular passenger services

4.) someone who is good at achieving things by persuading people to help or agree with them

▪ Monsieur Valentin was a formidable political operator.

▪ He may not look it, but Newman is a smooth operator (=someone who is good at persuading people but who you feel you cannot trust) .