Definitions for functionˈfʌŋk ʃən

This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word function

Random House Webster's College Dictionary

func•tionˈfʌŋk ʃən(n.)


  2. any ceremonious public or social gathering or occasion.

  3. a factor related to or dependent upon other factors:

    Price is a function of supply and demand.

  4. a relation between two sets in which one element of the second set is assigned to each element of the first set, as the expression y=x2; operator. a formula expressing a relation between the angles of a triangle and its sides, as sine or cosine.

    Category: Math

    Ref: Also called correspondence 7 , map 1 3 , mapping 2 , transformation.; hyperbolic function.


    Category: Grammar

  6. the contribution made by a social activity or structure to the maintenance of a social system.

    Category: Sociology

  7. (v.i.)to work; operate.

  8. to have or exercise a function; serve.

Origin of function:

1525–35; < L functiō a performance, execution, der. of fungī to perform, execute


Princeton's WordNet



  2. function, purpose, role, use(noun)

    what something is used for


  3. function, office, part, role(noun)



  4. function(noun)

    a relation such that one thing is dependent on another


  5. function(noun)

    a formal or official social gathering or ceremony

    "it was a black-tie function"


    a vaguely specified social event



    a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program


    perform as expected when applied


  9. serve, function(verb)

    serve a purpose, role, or function


  10. officiate, function(verb)

    perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function

    "His wife officiated as his private secretary"

Kernerman English Learner's Dictionary

  1. function(noun)ˈfʌŋk ʃən

    the purpose or job that sb or sth has

    What is the function of these cells in the body?; The cells perform an important function.

  2. functionˈfʌŋk ʃən

    a social or official event

    town meetings and other public functions

  3. function(verb)ˈfʌŋk ʃən

    to work or operate

    The elevator was not functioning.; I can't function until I've drunk my coffee.

  4. functionˈfʌŋk ʃən

    to have a particular function

    The research center functions as a meeting point for scientists.


  1. function(Noun)

    What something does or is used for.

  2. function(Noun)

    A professional or official position.

  3. function(Noun)

    An official or social occasion.

  4. function(Noun)

    A relation where one thing is dependent on another for its existence, value, or significance.

  5. function(Noun)

    A relation in which each element of the domain is associated with exactly one element of the codomain.

  6. function(Noun)

    A routine that receives zero or more arguments and may return a result.

  7. function(Noun)

    The physiological activity of an organ or body part.

  8. function(Noun)

    The characteristic behavior of a chemical compound.

  9. function(Noun)

    The role of a social practice in the continued existence of the group.

  10. function(Verb)

    to have a function

  11. function(Verb)

    to carry on a function; to be in action

  12. Origin: From function, from fonction, from functionem, accusative of function, from functus perfect participle of fungor.

Webster Dictionary

  1. Function(noun)


  2. Function(noun)


  3. Function(noun)


  4. Function(noun)


  5. Function(noun)


  6. Function(verb)

    alt. of Functionate

British National Corpus

  1. Spoken Corpus Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'function' in Spoken Corpus Frequency: #1358

  2. Written Corpus Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'function' in Written Corpus Frequency: #1365

  3. Nouns Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'function' in Nouns Frequency: #334

  4. Verbs Frequency

    Rank popularity for the word 'function' in Verbs Frequency: #814

Translations for function

Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary


a special job, use or duty (of a machine, part of the body, person etc)

The function of the brake is to stop the car.

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