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function - Meaning and Examples

Meaning of 'function' (Webster Dictionary)

1 . Function [ n.]
- The act of executing or performing any duty, office, or calling; per formance.
- 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.
- 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.
- The course of action which peculiarly pertains to any public officer in church or state; the activity appropriate to any business or profession.
- 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.
2 . Function [ v. i.]
- Alt. of Functionate

Meaning of 'function' (Princeton's WordNet)

1 . function [ n]
Meaning (1):
- a vaguely specified social event
Example in sentence:
  • a seemingly endless round of social functions;
  • an occasion arranged to honor the president;
  • the party was quite an affair
Meaning (2):
- what something is used for
Example in sentence:
  • ballet is beautiful but what use is it?;
  • the function of an auger is to bore holes
Meaning (3):
- a relation such that one thing is dependent on another
Example in sentence:
  • height is a function of age;
  • price is a function of supply and demand
Meaning (4):
- a formal or official social gathering or ceremony
Example in sentence:
  • it was a black-tie function
Meaning (5):
- the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
Example in sentence:
  • play its role;
  • the function of a teacher;
  • the government must do its part
6 . function [ v]
Meaning (6):
- perform as expected when applied
Example in sentence:
  • Does this old car still run well?;
  • The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in;
  • This old radio doesn't work anymore
Meaning (7):
- serve a purpose, role, or function
Example in sentence:
  • His freedom served him well;
  • The female students served as a control group;
  • The table functions as a desk;
  • The tree stump serves as a table;
  • This table would serve very well
Meaning (8):
- perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function
Example in sentence:
  • His wife officiated as his private secretary

Nearby Words:

fun funambulate funambulation funambulatory funambulist funambulo funambulus functional functionalize functionally

See 'function' also in:

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