Overview of noun function

The noun function has 7 senses

• function, mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping -- ((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))


• function, purpose, role, use -- (what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?")


• function, office, part, role -- (the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group; "the function of a teacher"; "the government must do its part"; "play its role")


• function -- (a relation such that one thing is dependent on another; "height is a function of age"; "price is a function of supply and demand")


• function -- (a formal or official social gathering or ceremony; "it was a black-tie function")


• affair, occasion, social occasion, function, social function -- (a vaguely specified social event; "the party was quite an affair"; "an occasion arranged to honor the president"; "a seemingly endless round of social functions")


• routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure, function -- (a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program)

Overview of verb function

The verb function has 3 senses

• function, work, operate, go, run -- (perform as expected when applied; "The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in"; "Does this old car still run well?"; "This old radio doesn't work anymore")


• serve, function -- (serve a purpose, role, or function; "The tree stump serves as a table"; "The female students served as a control group"; "This table would serve very well"; "His freedom served him well"; "The table functions as a desk")


• officiate, function -- (perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function; "His wife officiated as his private secretary")