Mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function. ()
usage: "The tree stump serves as a table"; "The female students served as a control group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom served him well"; "The table functions as a desk"
(n.) The course of action which peculiarly pertains to any public officer in church or state; the activity appropriate to any business or profession.
(n.) A quantity so connected with another quantity, that if any alteration be made in the latter there will be a consequent alteration in the former. Each quantity is said to be a function of the other. Thus, the circumference of a circle is a function of the diameter. If x be a symbol to which different numerical values can be assigned, such expressions as x2, 3x, Log. x, and Sin. x, are all functions of x.