function

Pluralfunctions

Formsfunctions, functioning, functioned

1. 1
   what it doesnouncountable

   The job something does or the purpose it is for.

   Like asking what a tool is for: a hammer's job is to hit nails.

   The main function of a knife is to cut things.

   Each button on the remote has its own function.

   UsageSay a thing serves a function.

   Similarpurpose, role, use, job

   Note
2. 2
   operateverbintransitive

   To work as it should and do its job.

   Like a clock that keeps ticking and telling the time.

   The old radio still functions after all these years.

   Machines function better when you clean them often.

   UsageSay function normally or function properly.

   Similarwork, operate, run, go (entry)

   Oppositemalfunction

3. 3
   organ activitynoununcountable

   The natural work that an organ or body part does.

   Like the job each part of a car engine does to keep it running.

   Smoking can slowly damage your lung function over many years.

   Regular exercise helps improve heart function.

   UsageSay kidney function, lung function.

   Similaractivity

   Oppositedysfunction

4. 4
   verbintransitive

   To work as or serve as a certain thing.

   The big box can function as a table when we need one.

   This room functions as both an office and a guest room.

   UsageSay function as: it functions as a pillow.

   Similarserve

5. 5
   mathnouncountable

   A math rule that links each input to exactly one output.

   Like a vending machine: each button gives you one snack, never two.

   A function takes each number and gives back just one answer.

   We drew the function as a line on the graph.

   Similarmap, mapping, transformation, operator

   Note
6. 6
   nouncountable

   An official or social event, such as a party or meeting.

   We dressed up for the school function on Friday.

   The mayor attended several functions over the weekend.

   Similaroccasion, affair

7. 7
   code routinenouncountable

   A piece of computer code that does a set task and can give back an answer.

   Like a recipe: you give it ingredients and it gives you a finished dish.

   The programmer wrote a function to add two numbers.

   This function returns the largest item in the list.

   Similarroutine, procedure, subroutine, subprogram

   Note
8. 8
   depends onnouncountable

   A result that depends on or comes from something else.

   Like how the size of a plant depends on the water and sun it gets.

   The flooded streets were a function of three days of heavy rain.

   His success was a function of years of steady hard work.

   UsageSay X is a function of Y.

   Similarproduct, result, consequence, outcome

   Note
9. 9
   nouncountablebusiness

   One area of work inside a company, like sales or money matters, or the team that does it.

   Every function in the company, from sales to finance, has to cut its budget this year.

   She has worked in three functions here, including marketing and customer service.

   Similardepartment, division

   Note
10. 10
    official rolenouncountable

    A job or official role that a person holds, or one of the duties that come with it.

    In her new function as team leader, she plans the week's work.

    In her function as treasurer, she signs every check the club writes.

    UsageYou can say take on the function of followed by a role, as in take on the function of department head.

    Similarrole, office, occupation, part

    Note

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