operator

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ClassName ClassName::operator + (ClassName & lh, ClassName &rh) {
// code
}

or something similar. C defines operators for several occasions, such as dereferencing (*), member dereferencing (->), and referencing (&), among many others. The following operators are legal in C (and C++):

Operators with two arguments (separated by spaces):
-> . + - * (multiplication) / % << >> < <= > >= == != ?: & ^ | && || = += -= *= /= %/ >>= <<= &= ^= |= -> .*

Operators with one argument:
:: () ++ -- ~ ! & * (dereferencing)

Also, there are two which have the form of words rather than symbols, namely sizeof and (type) (typecasting), where type is the name of an actual type, such as int, bool, or (CClientBoxDlg *). Both take one argument.

The default functionality of an operator can be overloaded by a user-defined function.

In molecular biology, an operator is the site of repressor binding on a DNA molecule. An operator is part of an operon.

From the BioTech Dictionary at http://biotech.icmb.utexas.edu/. For further information see the BioTech homenode.

Op"er*a`tor (?), n. [L.]

1.

One who, or that which, operates or produces an effect.

2. Surg.

One who performs some act upon the human body by means of the hand, or with instruments.

3.

A dealer in stocks or any commodity for speculative purposes; a speculator.

4. Math.

The symbol that expresses the operation to be performed; -- called also facient.

© Webster 1913.