First Known Use: 1533
Dictionary
1function
noun func·tion \ˈfəŋ(k)-shən\
: the special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used
: the job or duty of a person
: a large ceremony or social event
Full Definition of FUNCTION
1
: professional or official position : occupation
2
: the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists : purpose
3
: any of a group of related actions contributing to a larger action; especially : the normal and specific contribution of a bodily part to the economy of a living organism
4
: an official or formal ceremony or social gathering
5
a : a mathematical correspondence that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another set b : a variable (as a quality, trait, or measurement) that depends on and varies with another <height is a function of age>; also : result <illnesses that are a function of stress>
6
: characteristic behavior of a chemical compound due to a particular reactive unit; also : functional group
7
: a computer subroutine; specifically : one that performs a calculation with variables provided by a program and supplies the program with a single result
— func·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective
See function defined for English-language learners
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Origin of FUNCTION
Latin function-, functio performance, from fungi to perform; probably akin to Sanskrit bhuṅkte he enjoys
Related to FUNCTION
Synonym Discussion of FUNCTION
function, office, duty, province mean the acts or operations expected of a person or thing. function implies a definite end or purpose or a particular kind of work <the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information — Aldous Huxley>. office is typically applied to the function or service associated with a trade or profession or a special relationship to others <they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor — W. E. Gladstone>. duty applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling <it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case — R. B. Taney>. province applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one <I felt it was not my province to inquire — Anne Brontë>.
2function
verb
: to work or operate
: to have a specified function, role, or purpose
func·tionedfunc·tion·ing \-sh(ə-)niŋ\
Full Definition of FUNCTION
intransitive verb
1
: to have a function : serve <an attributive noun functions as an adjective>
2
: to carry on a function or be in action : operate
See function defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of FUNCTION
1856
FUNCTION[1] Defined for Kids
1function
noun func·tion \ˈfəŋk-shən\
Definition of FUNCTION for Kids
1
: the action for which a person or thing is designed or used : purpose <What function does this tool serve?>
2
: a large important ceremony or social affair
3
: a mathematical relationship that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another set
2function
verb
func·tionedfunc·tion·ing
Definition of FUNCTION for Kids
: to serve a certain purpose : work <The new machine functions well.> <The couch can also function as a bed.>
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