¹function

noun func·tion \ˈfəŋ(k)-shən\

: the special purpose or activity for which a thing exists or is used

: the job or duty of a person

: a large ceremony or social event

Full Definition of FUNCTION

: professional or official position : occupation

: the action for which a person or thing is specially fitted or used or for which a thing exists : purpose

: 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

: an official or formal ceremony or social gathering

a : a mathematical correspondence that assigns exactly one element of one set to each element of the same or another set

b : a variable (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>

: characteristic behavior of a chemical compound due to a particular reactive unit; also : functional group

: a computer subroutine; specifically : one that performs a calculation with variables provided by a program and supplies the program with a single result

— func·tion·less \-ləs\ adjective

See function defined for English-language learners

See function defined for kids

Origin of FUNCTION

Latin function-, functio performance, from fungi to perform; probably akin to Sanskrit bhuṅkte he enjoys

First Known Use: 1533

Related to FUNCTION

Synonyms: affair, bash, binge, blast, blowout, do, event, fete (or fête), party, get-together, powwow, reception, shindig

Synonym Discussion of FUNCTION

function, office, duty, province mean the acts or operations expected of a person or thing. function implies a definite end or purpose or a particular kind of work <the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information — Aldous Huxley>. office is typically applied to the function or service associated with a trade or profession or a special relationship to others <they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor — W. E. Gladstone>. duty applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling <it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case — R. B. Taney>. province applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one <I felt it was not my province to inquire — Anne Brontë>.