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Definition of Function
1. Noun. (mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function).
Specialized synonyms: Multinomial, Polynomial, Expansion, Inverse Function, Kronecker Delta, Metric, Metric Function, Transformation, Isometry, Operator, Circular Function, Trigonometric Function, Threshold Function, Exponential, Exponential Function
Category relationships: Math, Mathematics, Maths
Generic synonyms: Mathematical Relation
Derivative terms: Map, Map
2. Verb. Perform as expected when applied. "These cars won't function "; "This old radio doesn't work anymore"
Specialized synonyms: Double, Roll, Run, Cut, Serve, Service
Related verbs: Run, Work
Derivative terms: Functioning, Operant, Operation, Operation, Operative
Antonyms: Malfunction
3. Noun. What something is used for. "Ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
Generic synonyms: Usefulness, Utility
Specialized synonyms: Raison D'etre
Attributes: Functional, Nonfunctional
4. Verb. Serve a purpose, role, or function. "The table functions as a desk"
Related verbs: Serve, Service
Generic synonyms: Answer, Do, Serve, Suffice
Specialized synonyms: Prelude, Act As
5. Noun. The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group. "Play its role"
Generic synonyms: Duty
Specialized synonyms: Capacity, Hat, Portfolio, Lieu, Place, Position, Stead, Second Fiddle
Derivative terms: Officiate, Officiate
6. Verb. Perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function. "His wife officiated as his private secretary"
Generic synonyms: Serve
Derivative terms: Functionary, Office, Office, Office, Office, Officiating, Officiation, Officiation
7. Noun. A relation such that one thing is dependent on another. "Price is a function of supply and demand"
8. Noun. A formal or official social gathering or ceremony. "It was a black-tie function"
9. Noun. A vaguely specified social event. "A seemingly endless round of social functions"
Generic synonyms: Social Event
Specialized synonyms: Party, Celebration, Jubilation, Ceremonial, Ceremonial Occasion, Ceremony, Observance, Fundraiser, Photo Op, Photo Opportunity, Sleepover
10. Noun. A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program.
Generic synonyms: Computer Software, Package, Software, Software Package, Software Program, Software System
Group relationships: Computer Program, Computer Programme, Program, Programme
Specialized synonyms: Cataloged Procedure, Contingency Procedure, Library Routine, Random Number Generator, Recursive Routine, Reusable Routine, Executive Routine, Supervisory Routine, Tracing Routine, Service Routine, Utility Routine
Derivative terms: Procedural
Definition of Function
1. n. The act of executing or performing any duty, office, or calling; performance.
2. v. i. To execute or perform a function; to transact one's regular or appointed business.
3. n. A religious ceremony, esp. one particularly impressive and elaborate.
Definition of Function
1. Noun. What something does or is used for. ¹
2. Noun. A professional or official position. ¹
3. Noun. An official or social occasion. ¹
4. Noun. A relation where one thing is dependent on another for its existence, value, or significance. ¹
5. Noun. (mathematics) A relation in which each element of the domain is associated with exactly one element of the codomain. ¹
6. Noun. (computing) A routine that receives zero or more arguments and may return a result. ¹
7. Noun. (biology) The physiological activity of an organ or body part. ¹
8. Noun. (chemistry) The characteristic behavior of a chemical compound. ¹
9. Noun. (anthropology) The role of a social practice in the continued existence of the group. ¹
10. Verb. (intransitive) to have a function ¹
11. Verb. (intransitive) to carry on a function; to be in action ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Definition of Function
1. to be in action [v -ED, -ING, -S]
Medical Definition of Function
1. The special, normal or proper physiologic activity of an organ or part. Origin: L. Functio, from fungi = to do This entry appears with permission from the Dictionary of Cell and Molecular Biology (11 Mar 2008)
Function Pictures
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Lexicographical Neighbors of Function
Literary usage of Function
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Encyclopaedia Britannica: A Standard Work of Reference in Art, Literature (1907)
"In the case of a quadric equation z1 — pz+g — 0, we can by the assistance of the
sign y/ ( ) or ( ) í find an expression for z as a two-valued function of ..."
2. Proceedings of the Royal Society of London by Royal Society (Great Britain) (1896)
"The analogue in octonions of the linear vector function of a vector in quaternions
is called a commutative linear motor function of a motor. ..."
3. The American Journal of Psychology by Edward Bradford ( Titchener, Granville Stanley Hall (1918)
"function. Our procedure is of little value in case II, since there is only one point
... We had not anticipated that a 5-function would be found in case III ..."
4. A Treatise on Electricity and Magnetism by James Clerk Maxwell (1881)
"For let F be the arbitrary function, and let A" be the coefficient of T^ in ...
Let * be any function which satisfies Laplace's equation, and which has no ..."
5. The Journal of Physiology by Physiological Society (Great Britain). (1880)
"To arrive at a decision as to the function of these muscles as rib elevators or
rib depressors, from a simple mechanical study of their attachments seems ..."
Other Resources Relating to: Function
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