Function and Help

function

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. ()
- synonyms: mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping
What something is used for.
- usage: "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it"
- synonyms: purpose, role, use
The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group.
- usage: "the function of a teacher"; "the government must do its part"; "play its role"
- synonyms: office, part, role
A relation such that one thing is dependent on another.
- usage: "height is a function of age"; "price is a function of supply and demand"
A formal or official social gathering or ceremony.
- usage: "it was a black-tie function"
A vaguely specified social event.
- usage: "the party was quite an affair"; "an occasion arranged to honor the president"; "a seemingly endless round of social functions"
- synonyms: affair, occasion, social occasion, social function
A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program.
- synonyms: routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure

Perform as expected when applied.
- usage: "The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in"; "Does this old car still run well"; "This old radio doesn't work anymore"
- synonyms: work, operate, go, run
Serve a purpose, role, or 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"
- synonyms: serve
Perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function.
- usage: "His wife officiated as his private secretary"
- synonyms: officiate

(v.i.) Alternative of Functionate.
(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.
(n.) The act of executing or performing any duty, office or calling; per formance.
(n.) The appropriate action of any special organ or part of an animal or vegetable organism; as, the function of the heart or the limbs; the function of leaves, sap, roots, etc.; life is the sum of the functions of the various organs and parts of the body.
(n.) The natural or assigned action of any power or faculty, as of the soul or of the intellect; the exertion of an energy of some determinate kind.
(n.) A public or social ceremony or gathering; a festivity or entertainment, especially one somewhat formal.
(n.) A religious ceremony, especially one particularly impressive and elaborate.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

help

The activity of contributing to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose.
- usage: "he gave me an assist with the housework"; "could not walk without assistance"; "rescue party went to their aid"; "offered his help in unloading"
- synonyms: aid, assist, assistance
A person who contributes to the fulfillment of a need or furtherance of an effort or purpose.
- usage: "my invaluable assistant"; "they hired additional help to finish the work"
- synonyms: assistant, helper, supporter
A resource.
- usage: "visual aids in teaching"
- synonyms: aid, assistance
A means of serving.
- usage: "of no avail"; "there's no help for it"
- synonyms: avail, service

Give help or assistance; be of service.
- usage: "Everyone helped out during the earthquake"; "Can you help me carry this table"; "She never helps around the house"
- synonyms: assist, aid
Improve the condition of.
- usage: "These pills will help the patient"
- synonyms: aid
Be of use.
- usage: "This will help to prevent accidents"
- synonyms: facilitate
Abstain from doing; always used with a negative.
- usage: "I can't help myself-I have to smoke"; "She could not help watching the sad spectacle"
- synonyms: help oneself
Help to some food; help with food or drink.
- usage: "I served him three times, and after that he helped himself"
- synonyms: serve
Contribute to the furtherance of.
- usage: "This money will help the development of literacy in developing countries"
Take or use.
- usage: "She helped herself to some of the office supplies"
- synonyms: avail
Improve; change for the better.
- usage: "New slipcovers will help the old living room furniture"

(v.t.) Specifically, a domestic servant, man or woman.
(v.i.) To lend aid or assistance; to contribute strength or means; to avail or be of use; to assist.
(v.t.) To forbear; to avoid.
(v.t.) Remedy; relief; as, there is no help for it.
(v.t.) To furnish with relief, as in pain or disease; to be of avail against; -- sometimes with of before a word designating the pain or disease, and sometimes having such a word for the direct object.
(v.t.) To furnish with the means of deliverance from trouble; as, to help one in distress; to help one out of prison.
(v.t.) To furnish with strength or means for the successful performance of any action or the attainment of any object; to aid; to assist; as, to help a man in his work; to help one to remember; -- the following infinitive is commonly used without to; as, "Help me scale yon balcony.".
(v.t.) A helper; one hired to help another; also, thew hole force of hired helpers in any business.
(v.t.) Strength or means furnished toward promoting an object or deliverance from difficulty or distress; aid; ^; also, the person or thing furnishing the aid; as, he gave me a help of fifty dollars.
(v.t.) To prevent; to hinder; as, the evil approaches, and who can help it?.
(v.t.) To change for the better; to remedy.
(v.t.) To wait upon, as the guests at table, by carving and passing food.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary