Definition of Function

1. 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).


2. Verb. Perform as expected when applied. "These cars won't function "; "This old radio doesn't work anymore"
Exact synonyms: Go, Operate, Run, Work
Specialized synonyms: Double, Roll, Run, Cut, Serve, Service
Related verbs: Run, Work
Derivative terms: Functioning, Operant, Operation, Operation, Operative
Antonyms: Malfunction

3. Noun. What something is used for. "Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
Exact synonyms: Purpose, Role, Use
Generic synonyms: Usefulness, Utility
Specialized synonyms: Raison D'etre
Attributes: Functional, Nonfunctional

4. Verb. Serve a purpose, role, or function. "The table functions as a desk"
Exact synonyms: Serve
Related verbs: Serve, Service
Generic synonyms: Answer, Do, Serve, Suffice
Specialized synonyms: Prelude, Act As

5. Noun. The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group. "Play its role"
Exact synonyms: Office, Part, Role
Generic synonyms: Duty
Specialized synonyms: Capacity, Hat, Portfolio, Lieu, Place, Position, Stead, Second Fiddle
Derivative terms: Officiate, Officiate

6. Verb. Perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function. "His wife officiated as his private secretary"
Exact synonyms: Officiate
Generic synonyms: Serve
Derivative terms: Functionary, Office, Office, Office, Office, Officiating, Officiation, Officiation

7. Noun. A relation such that one thing is dependent on another. "Price is a function of supply and demand"
Generic synonyms: Relation

8. Noun. A formal or official social gathering or ceremony. "It was a black-tie function"
Generic synonyms: Social Affair, Social Gathering

9. Noun. A vaguely specified social event. "A seemingly endless round of social functions"

10. Noun. A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program.

Definition of Function

1. n. The act of executing or performing any duty, office, or calling; performance.

2. v. i. To execute or perform a function; to transact one's regular or appointed business.

3. n. A religious ceremony, esp. one particularly impressive and elaborate.

Definition of Function

1. Noun. What something does or is used for. ¹

2. Noun. A professional or official position. ¹

3. Noun. An official or social occasion. ¹

4. Noun. A relation where one thing is dependent on another for its existence, value, or significance. ¹

5. Noun. (mathematics) A relation in which each element of the domain is associated with exactly one element of the codomain. ¹

6. Noun. (computing) A routine that receives zero or more arguments and may return a result. ¹

7. Noun. (biology) The physiological activity of an organ or body part. ¹

8. Noun. (chemistry) The characteristic behavior of a chemical compound. ¹

9. Noun. (anthropology) The role of a social practice in the continued existence of the group. ¹

10. Verb. (intransitive) to have a function ¹

11. Verb. (intransitive) to carry on a function; to be in action ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Function

1. to be in action [v -ED, -ING, -S]

Medical Definition of Function

1. The special, normal or proper physiologic activity of an organ or part. Origin: L. Functio, from fungi = to do This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Function

funambulations
funambulatory
funambulism
funambulisms
funambulist
funambulists
funbags
funboard
funboarder
funboarders
funboarding
funboards
funbox
funboxes
functio laesa
function (current term)
function-evaluation routine
function-evaluation routines
function call
function code
function codes
function corrector
function generator
function generators
function key
function keys
function multiplier
function multipliers
function object
function objects

Literary usage of Function

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Standard Work of Reference in Art, Literature (1907)
"In the case of a quadric equation z1 — pz+g — 0, we can by the assistance of the sign y/ ( ) or ( ) í find an expression for z as a two-valued function of ..."

2. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London by Royal Society (Great Britain) (1896)
"The analogue in octonions of the linear vector function of a vector in quaternions is called a commutative linear motor function of a motor. ..."

3. The American Journal of Psychology by Edward Bradford ( Titchener, Granville Stanley Hall (1918)
"function. Our procedure is of little value in case II, since there is only one point ... We had not anticipated that a 5-function would be found in case III ..."

4. A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism by James Clerk Maxwell (1881)
"For let F be the arbitrary function, and let A" be the coefficient of T^ in ... Let * be any function which satisfies Laplace's equation, and which has no ..."

5. The Journal of Physiology by Physiological Society (Great Britain). (1880)
"To arrive at a decision as to the function of these muscles as rib elevators or rib depressors, from a simple mechanical study of their attachments seems ..."

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