function Definition

function
noun

1. The special purpose or task of a machine, person, bodily part, etc.

Thesaurus: use, employment, capacity, faculty.
2a. An organized event such as a party, reception, meeting, etc;

Thesaurus: party, social gathering, celebration, reception, get-together, affair, gathering, junket, meeting, shindig.
2b. Also as adj.

Example: function room
3. A duty particular to someone in a particular job.
4. math.logic.
A mathematical procedure that relates one or more variables to one or more other variables, eg in the algebraic expression y = x + 4, the variable y is a function of the variable x, usually written as y = f(x), and a change in x will produce a change in y.
5. computing.
Any of the basic operations of a computer, usually corresponding to a single operation.

verb, intr functioned, functioning

1. To work; to operate

Example: The washing-machine functions well.
Thesaurus: work, operate, run, go, be in running order behave.
2. To fulfil a function; to perform one's duty.
3. To serve or act as something

Example: a torch that functions as a screwdriver.
Thesaurus: serve, act, behave.

Derivative: functionless
adj

Etymology: 16c: French, from Latin functio, from fungi, functus to perform.