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Noun: function  fúngk-shun
  1. What something is used for
    "the function of an auger is to bore holes";
    - purpose, role, use
     
  2. (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)
    - mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping
     
  3. The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
    "the function of a teacher";
    - office, part, role
     
  4. A relation such that one thing is dependent on another
    "height is a function of age"; "price is a function of supply and demand"
     
  5. A formal or official social gathering or ceremony
    "it was a black-tie function"
     
  6. A formal or official social gathering or ceremony of people
    "a seemingly endless round of social functions";
    - affair, occasion, social occasion, social function
     
  7. A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
    - routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure
Verb: function  fúngk-shun
  1. Perform as expected when applied
    "This old radio doesn't function anymore";
    - work, operate, go, run
     
  2. Act to fulfil a purpose, role, or function
    "The table functions as a desk";
    - serve
     
  3. Perform duties attached to a particular office, place or function
    "His wife functioned as his private secretary";
    - officiate

Derived forms: functioning, functioned, functions

See also: functional, nonfunctional

Type of: answer, computer software, do, duty, mathematical relation, package, relation, serve, social affair, social event, social gathering, software, software package, software program, software system, suffice, usefulness, utility

Part of: computer program, computer programme [Brit], program, programme [Brit, Cdn]

Encyclopedia: Function