func|tion

func|tion: func|tion «FUHNGK shuhn», noun, verb.

–n.

1. a) proper work; normal action or use; purpose: »The function of the stomach is to help digest food. The great general functions of plant parts…are conduction, support, storage, protection, and secretion (Fred W. Emerson).
b) a duty or office; employment. SYNONYM(S): province, task.

2. a formal public or social gathering for some purpose: »The hotel ballroom is often used for weddings, anniversaries, and other functions. He…set out to attend the last gathering of the season at Valleys House, a function…almost perfectly political (John Galsworthy).

3. a) Mathematics. a quantity whose value depends on the value given to one or more related quantities: »The area of a circle is a function of its radius; as the radius increases so does the area.
b) anything likened to a mathematical function.

4. Grammar. the way in which a word or phrase is used in a sentence.

–v.i.

to work; act; perform a function or one's functions: »One of the older students can function as teacher. This old fountain pen does not function very well.
SYNONYM(S): operate.

╂[< Latin fūnctiō, -ōnis < fungī perform]

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func´tion|al|ly — func|tion|al «FUHNGK shuh nuhl», adjective, noun. –adj. 1. of a function or functions: »His mathematical work has been concerned with…functional analysis (Scientific American). 2. a) having a function; carrying out a function; working; acting:… … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|al — «FUHNGK shuh nuhl», adjective, noun. –adj. 1. of a function or functions: »His mathematical work has been concerned with…functional analysis (Scientific American). 2. a) having a function; carrying out a function; working; acting: »The functional … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|al|i|ty — «FUHNGK shuh NAL uh tee», noun. functional quality or condition … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|ar|y — «FUHNGK shuh NEHR ee», noun, plural ar|ies, adjective. –n. a person who has certain functions or duties to perform; an official: »a government functionary, a church functionary. –adj. official … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|al|i|za|tion — «FUHNGK shuh nuh luh ZAY shuhn», noun. 1. the act or process of dividing into functions: »Mr. Healey…has started the process of greater functionalization in his department by giving his three Service Ministers new responsibilities (London Times) … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|al|ism — «FUHNGK shuh nuh LIHZ uhm», noun. 1. regard for the function and purpose of something, such as a building or piece of furniture, as the primary factor in regulating its design. 2. Anthropology. the ways in which different parts of a culture are… … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|al|is|tic — «FUHNGK shuh nuh LIHS tihk», adjective. of or having to do with functionalism: »He disagreed with the functionalistic American s plan to use the Stoa as a museum (Time) … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|al|ist — «FUHNGK shuh nuh lihst», noun, adjective. –n. 1. a person who believes that the function and purpose of a building, piece of furniture, or device should determine its style. 2. a person who builds or designs functional buildings, furniture, or… … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|ate — «FUHNGK shuh nayt», intransitive verb, at|ed, at|ing. = function. (Cf. ↑function) … Useful english dictionary
func|tion|less — «FUHNGK shuhn lihs», adjective. having no function … Useful english dictionary

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func|tion

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func|tion

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