Definition of FUNCTION

function

Plural: functions

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)
  • what something is used for
    • "the function of an auger is to bore holes"
  • the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
    • "the function of a teacher"
  • a relation such that one thing is dependent on another
    • "height is a function of age"
    • "price is a function of supply and demand"
  • a formal or official social gathering or ceremony
    • "it was a black-tie function"
  • a vaguely specified social event
    • "a seemingly endless round of social functions"
  • a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
  • What something does or is used for.
  • A professional or official position.
  • An official or social occasion.
  • An official or social occasion.
  • A party.
  • Something which is dependent on or stems from another thing; a result or concomitant.
  • A relation where one thing is dependent on another for its existence, value, or significance.
  • A relation in which each element of the domain is associated with exactly one element of the codomain.
  • A routine that receives zero or more arguments and may return a result.
  • The physiological activity of an organ or body part.
  • The characteristic behavior of a chemical compound.
  • The role of a social practice in the continued existence of the group.

Verb

Verb Forms: functioned, functioning, functions

  • To be in action or operate.
  • perform as expected when applied
  • serve a purpose, role, or function
    • "The table functions as a desk"
  • perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function
  • To have a function.
  • To carry out a function; to be in action.

Examples

  • His brain refused to function when faced with a rack of all consonants in Scrabble.
  • Our hotel is hosting a function for all the warehouse workers on the night of April 18.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle French function, from Old French fonction, from Latin functiō (“performance, execution”), from functus, perfect participle of fungor (“to perform, execute, discharge”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰewg- (“to enjoy”).

Synonyms

affair, go, map, mapping, mathematical function, occasion, office, officiate, operate, part, procedure, purpose, role, routine, run, serve, single-valued function, social function, social occasion, subprogram, subroutine, use, work, aim, func, funct, intention, occupation, operator, transformation

Antonyms

malfunction

Scrabble Score: 13

function: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
function: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
function: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 17

function: valid Words With Friends Word