Function and Pilot

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

pilot

Someone who is licensed to operate an aircraft in flight.
- synonyms: airplane pilot
A person qualified to guide ships through difficult waters going into or out of a harbor.
A program exemplifying a contemplated series; intended to attract sponsors.
- synonyms: pilot program, pilot film
Something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies.
- usage: "this painting is a copy of the original"
- synonyms: original, archetype
Small auxiliary gas burner that provides a flame to ignite a larger gas burner.
- synonyms: pilot burner, pilot light
An inclined metal frame at the front of a locomotive to clear the track.
- synonyms: fender, buffer, cowcatcher

Operate an airplane.
- usage: "The pilot flew to Cuba"
- synonyms: fly, aviate
Act as the navigator in a car, plane, or vessel and plan, direct, plot the path and position of the conveyance.
- usage: "Is anyone volunteering to navigate during the trip"; "Who was navigating the ship during the accident"
- synonyms: navigate

(n.) A short plug at the end of a counterbore to guide the tool. Pilots are sometimes made interchangeable.
(v.t.) To fly or act as pilot of (an aircraft).
(n.) The heading or excavation of relatively small dimensions, first made in the driving of a larger tunnel.
(n.) One who flies or is qualified to fly, a balloon, an airship or a flying machine.
(n.) One employed to steer a vessel; a helmsman; a steersman.
(n.) An instrument for detecting the compass error.
(v.t.) Figuratively: To guide, as through dangers or difficulties.
(n.) Specifically, a person duly qualified, and licensed by authority, to conduct vessels into and out of a port or in certain waters, for a fixed rate of fees.
(n.) Figuratively: A guide; a director of another through a difficult or unknown course.
(n.) The cowcatcher of a locomotive.
(v.t.) To direct the course of, as of a ship, where navigation is dangerous.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary