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| func·tion [ fúngkshən ] |
noun (plural func·tions) |
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| Definition: |
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1. purpose: an action or use for which something is suited or designed
  Its function is to collect water.
a watch with an alarm function
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2. role: an activity or role assigned to somebody or something
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3. event: a social gathering or ceremony, especially a formal or official occasion
a black-tie function
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4. dependent factor: a quality or characteristic that depends upon and varies with another
Success is a function of determination and ability.
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5. mathematics variable quantity: a variable quantity whose value depends upon the varying values of other quantities
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6. mathematics correspondence between members of different sets: a relationship between two mathematical sets, in which each member of one set corresponds uniquely to a member of the other set.
Symbol f
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7. comput single computer operation: a named and stored basic operation of a computer yielding a single result when invoked
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8. comput computer program's main purpose: the purpose of a computer program or piece of computer equipment, e.g. database management or printing
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9. grammar role of word or phrase: a grammatical role performed by a word or phrase in a specific construction
Noun phrases can fulfill many functions.
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intransitive verb (past and past participle func·tioned, present participle func·tion·ing, 3rd person present singular func·tions) |
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| Definition: |
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1. serve purpose: to serve a particular purpose, or perform a particular role
hats functioning both as fashion statements and as protection against the sun
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2. be in working order: to operate normally, fulfilling a purpose or role
When the heart ceases to function, the patient is clinically dead.
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| [Mid-16th century. < Latin function-< funct-, past participle of fungi "perform"] |
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| func·tion·less adjective |
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