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.
Recent Examples of function from the Web
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Hindu astrology functions on the premise that the planets are aligned at the moment of birth to reflect a person’s previous life karma.
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The benefits of the maillot de bain are plentiful and mind you, its function is not necessarily confined to swimming.
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So the Republican Congress has to destroy a law that people like, and then replace it with something that replicates its current functions.
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Borlongan, who reviewed the new paper, notes that its findings are especially important in the clinic, where most rehabilitation focuses on improving motor—not cognitive—function.
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This meant Holliday could not use a babysitter and was forced to bring her daughter to after-hours work functions.
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Probably one of their functions within the ecosystem is to be food for other things.
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The pesticide has also been linked to a delay in motor function among a group of Chinese babies whose mothers were exposed to naled, and its use has been criticized by environmentalists as well South Miami Mayor Phil Stoddard.
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Francis appointed Pell in 2014 to a five-year term to head the Vatican's new economy secretariat, giving him broad rein to control all economic, administrative, personnel and procurement functions of the Holy See.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'function.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of function
Latin function-, functio performance, from fungi to perform; probably akin to Sanskrit bhuṅkte he enjoys
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.
Recent Examples of function from the Web
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The W.H. is functioning perfectly, focused on HealthCare, Tax Cuts/Reform & many other things.
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In the absence of a well-functioning State Department, Trump is relying more on the National Security Council, a group composed of Cabinet secretaries and senior military officials, to make foreign policy decisions.
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A computer’s motherboard is essentially its brains that contain key technologies like a central processing unit (CPU) and memory chips that are necessary for the computer to function.
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Coordinating conjunctions matter in how Colorado’s cannabis laws should function.
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The United States’ family case management program provides a more relaxed alternative to detention facilities, functioning less like a prison and more like a counseling center.
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His body temperature was too low, a sign his nervous system wasn't functioning properly.
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Most of these kids seem like well-functioning human beings.
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There are times, however, when an essential element may not be present or available in sufficient quantities for a plant to grow and function at its full potential, and that's where fertilizers come in.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'function.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of function
see 1function
FUNCTION Defined for English Language Learners
function
playDefinition 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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