operate vs relay

operate is not a noun while relay is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
operate	No	No	Yes	No
relay	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, relay is a hyponym of operate; that is, relay is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than operate:

Other hyponyms of operate include synchronise, synchronize, dial, turn, submarine, treadle, gate, pedal, drive, aviate, fly, pilot.

operate (noun)	relay (noun)
	the act of passing something along from one person or group to another
	electrical device such that current flowing through it in one circuit can switch on and off a current in a second circuit
	a race between teams; each member runs or swims part of the distance
	a crew of workers who relieve another crew
	a fresh team to relieve weary draft animals

operate (verb)	relay (verb)
perform surgery on	pass along
perform a movement in military or naval tactics in order to secure an advantage in attack or defense	control or operate by relay
handle and cause to function
keep engaged
perform as expected when applied
direct or control; projects, businesses, etc.