Definition of function
1 : professional or official position : occupation His job combines the functions of a manager and a worker.
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 The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.
4 : an official or formal ceremony or social gathering They went to several functions during their college reunion weekend.
5a : a mathematical correspondence that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another setb : a variable (such 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 (see 2variable 1a) provided by a program and supplies the program with a single result
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Examples of function in a Sentence
The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body.
He believes that the true function of art is to tell the truth.
What functions do these programs fulfill?
infants learning to control their bodily functions
The instrument is chiefly used to measure and record heart function.
The design achieves a perfect blend of form and function.
His job combines the functions of a manager and a worker.
Her chief function is to provide expert legal advice.
They went to several functions during their college reunion weekend.
Origin and Etymology of function
Latin function-, functio performance, from fungi to perform; probably akin to Sanskrit bhuṅkte he enjoys
First Known Use: 1533
Synonym Discussion of function
Examples of function in a Sentence
The new machine functions well.
His bad health has prevented him from being able to function effectively in recent weeks.
Her heart now seems to be functioning normally.
The computer network is not yet fully functioning.
Origin and Etymology of function
see 1function
First Known Use: 1856
FUNCTION Defined for English Language Learners
Definition of function for English Language Learners
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: the special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used
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: the job or duty of a person
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: a large ceremony or social event
function
Definition of function for English Language Learners
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: to work or operate
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: to have a specified function, role, or purpose
FUNCTION Defined for Kids
Definition of function for Students
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
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of function
: 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—see vital function
function
Medical Definition of function
functioned
;functioning
\-sh(ə-)niŋ\play: to have a function shivering functions to maintain the heat of the body
Learn More about function
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for function Spanish Central: Translation of function Nglish: Translation of function for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of function for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about function
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