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function

Pronunciation: /ˈfʌŋ(k)ʃ(ə)n/
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Definition of function

noun

  • 1an activity that is natural to or the purpose of a person or thing:bridges perform the function of providing access across water bodily functions
  • [mass noun] practical use or purpose in design:building designs that prioritize style over function
  • a basic task of a computer, especially one that corresponds to a single instruction from the user.
  • 2 Mathematics a relation or expression involving one or more variables:the function (bx + c)
  • a variable quantity regarded in relation to one or more other variables in terms of which it may be expressed or on which its value depends: the magnetic field has varied as a function of time
  • Chemistry a functional group: the carboxyl group was replaced by functions that included tetrazolyl-, sulphonyl-, and phosphoryl-
  • 3a thing dependent on another factor or factors:class shame is a function of social power
  • 4a large or formal social event or ceremony: he was obliged to attend party functions

verb

[no object]
  • work or operate in a proper or particular way:her liver is functioning normally
  • (function as) fulfil the purpose or task of (a specified thing):the museum intends to function as an educational and study centre

Derivatives

functionless

adjective

Origin:

mid 16th century: from French fonction, from Latin functio(n-), from fungi 'perform'

function in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of function in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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