functional group
noun
: a characteristic reactive unit of a chemical compound especially in organic chemistry
Examples of functional group in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The adsorbent has a second functional group called a carboxylate.
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IEEE Spectrum, 22 June 2018
Then assemble a cross-functional group of evangelists from various customer-facing roles, including customer success and marketing.
—Patrick Welch, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023
The methane-producing methanogens had been detected previously, and Raymann’s study provides additional evidence that this functional group is dominant: no non-methanogenic lineages were seen in human samples.
—Jeffrey Marlow, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2017
My company makes sure that each hiring team includes a recruiting lead and a hiring manager, as well as a cross-functional group of colleagues who would work closely with the new employee.
—Jenny Xia Spradling, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2022
Every department must also have digitally savvy talent that should percolate across every functional group of the organization.
—Rajeev Sharma, Forbes, 7 July 2022
Working on an innovation project may enable employees to establish contacts in an area of the company different from their customary functional group.
—Edie Goldberg, Forbes, 9 June 2022
Put together a tiger team, a specialized and cross-functional group, with domain expertise in planning along with senior operational leaders.
—Akhil Oltikar, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2022
Identify a cross-functional group of individuals to assist, and give credit where credit is due — publicly and often.
—Heidi Davidson, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2021
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IEEE Spectrum, 22 June 2018
Then assemble a cross-functional group of evangelists from various customer-facing roles, including customer success and marketing.
—Patrick Welch, Forbes, 9 Mar. 2023
The methane-producing methanogens had been detected previously, and Raymann’s study provides additional evidence that this functional group is dominant: no non-methanogenic lineages were seen in human samples.
—Jeffrey Marlow, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2017
My company makes sure that each hiring team includes a recruiting lead and a hiring manager, as well as a cross-functional group of colleagues who would work closely with the new employee.
—Jenny Xia Spradling, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2022
Every department must also have digitally savvy talent that should percolate across every functional group of the organization.
—Rajeev Sharma, Forbes, 7 July 2022
Working on an innovation project may enable employees to establish contacts in an area of the company different from their customary functional group.
—Edie Goldberg, Forbes, 9 June 2022
Put together a tiger team, a specialized and cross-functional group, with domain expertise in planning along with senior operational leaders.
—Akhil Oltikar, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2022
Identify a cross-functional group of individuals to assist, and give credit where credit is due — publicly and often.
—Heidi Davidson, Forbes, 4 Mar. 2021
See More
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'functional group.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1892, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near functional group
Cite this Entry
“Functional group.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/functional%20group. Accessed 28 Nov. 2023.
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Medical Definition
functional group
noun
: a characteristic reactive unit of a chemical compound
More from Merriam-Webster on functional group
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about functional group
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