Associations to the word «Operant»

Wiktionary

OPERANT, adjective. That operates to produce an effect.
OPERANT, noun. An operative person or thing.
OPERANT, noun. (psychology) Any of a class of behaviors that produce consequences by operating (i.e., acting) upon the environment.
OPERANT CONDITIONING, noun. (psychology) A technique of behavior modification through positive and negative reinforcement and positive and negative punishment

Dictionary definition

OPERANT, adjective. Having influence or producing an effect; "many emotional determinants at work"; "an operant conscience".

Wise words

Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation.
Noam Chomsky