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Meaning of function in English
Pronunciation
/ˈfəŋ(k)ʃ(ə)n/
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Verb
function
Definitions
1.
perform as expected when applied
Examples
« The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in »
« Does this old car still run well? »
« This old radio doesn't work anymore »
Antonyms
malfunction
misfunction
2.
serve a purpose, role, or function
Examples
« The tree stump serves as a table »
« The female students served as a control group »
« This table would serve very well »
« His freedom served him well »
« The table functions as a desk »
3.
perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function
Examples
« His wife officiated as his private secretary »
Noun
function
Etymology
mid 16th century: from French fonction, from Latin functio(n-), from fungi‘perform’
Definitions
1.
a mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at least one element of another set
2.
what something is used for
Examples
« the function of an auger is to bore holes »
« ballet is beautiful but what use is it? »
3.
the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
Examples
« the function of a teacher »
« the government must do its part »
« play its role »
4.
a relation such that one thing is dependent on another
Examples
« height is a function of age »
« price is a function of supply and demand »
5.
a formal or official social gathering or ceremony
Examples
« it was a black-tie function »
6.
a vaguely specified social event
Examples
« the party was quite an affair »
« an occasion arranged to honor the president »
« a seemingly endless round of social functions »
7.
a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program