function

function [fuŋk′shən]

n.

[OFr < L functio < pp. of fungi, to perform < IE base * bheug-, to enjoy > Sans bhuṅktē, (he) enjoys]

1. the normal or characteristic action of anything; esp., any of the natural, specialized actions of a system, organ, or part of an animal or plant [the procreative function]

2. a special duty or performance required in the course of work or activity [the function of an auditor, the function of the brakes]

3. occupation or employment

4. a formal ceremony or elaborate social occasion

5. a thing that depends on and varies with something else

6.

a) an action which is part of a series leading to a resulting action

b) an operational instruction for programming an electronic device, as a digital watch, computer, etc.; also, an operation performed by such a device as a result of such an instruction

7. any of the roles that a linguistic form can fulfill in an utterance

8. Math. an association between two sets in which each element of one set has one assigned element in the other set: any selected element becomes the independent variable and its associated element is the dependent variable [y = f(x) means y is a function of x]

vi.

1. to act in a required or expected manner; work

2. to have a function; serve or be used (as)

functionless

adj.

SYN.- FUNCTION is the broad, general term for the natural, required, or expected activity of a person or thing [the function of the liver, of education, etc. ]; OFFICE, in this connection, refers to the function of a person, as determined by his position, profession, or employment [the office of a priest ]; DUTY is applied to a task necessary in or appropriate to one's occupation, rank, status, etc. and carries a strong connotation of obligation [the duties of a vicar ]; CAPACITY refers to a specific function or status, not necessarily the usual or customary one [the judge spoke to him in the capacity of a friend ]