function

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group

   the function of a teacher

2. 2
   noun

   what something is used for

   the function of an auger is to bore holes

3. 3
   noun

   a formal or official social gathering or ceremony

   it was a black-tie function

4. 4
   noun

   a relation such that one thing is dependent on another

   height is a function of age

5. 5
   noun

   What something does or is used for.

   Many genes with reproductive roles also have antibacterial and immune functions, which indicate that the threat of microbial attack on the sperm or egg may be a major influence on rapid evolution during reproduction.

6. 6
   noun

   An official or social occasion.

   Our hotel is hosting a function for all the warehouse workers on the night of April 18.

7. 7
   noun

   Something which is dependent on or stems from another thing; a result or concomitant.

   Though most of the cases here cover European encounters with non-Europeans, it is not the intention of the book to give the impression that genocide is a function of European colonialism and imperialism alone.

8. 8
   verb

   To carry out a function; to be in action.

   Although the laying workers functioned in a queenlike manner, they were unable to suppress ovarian development as effectively as the queen.

Etymology

From Middle French function, from Old French fonction, from Latin functiō (“performance, execution”), from functus, perfect participle of fungor (“to perform, execute, discharge”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰewg- (“to enjoy”).