function > define

noun

• 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

verb

• 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.