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   Func·tion

   /ˈfəNG(k)SHən/

   

   noun

   • 1. an activity or purpose natural to or intended for a person or thing: "bridges perform the function of providing access across water" Similar purposetaskuserolereasonbasisjustificationresponsibilitydutyconcernprovinceaimactivityassignmentobligationchargetaskchorejobroleerrandmissiondetailundertakingcommissioncapacitypostsituationofficeoccupationemploymentbusinessoperationraison d'êtreBritish:line of countryinformal:thingbagpigeon
   • ▪ practical use or purpose in design: "building designs that prioritize style over function"
   • ▪ a basic task of a computer, especially one that corresponds to a single instruction from the user.
   • 2. a relationship or expression involving one or more variables: "the function (bx + c)"
   • ▪ a variable quantity regarded in relation to one or more other variables in terms of which it may be expressed or on which its value depends: "the magnetic field has varied as a function of time"
   • ▪ a functional group: "the carboxyl group was replaced by functions that included tetrazolyl-, sulphonyl-, and phosphoryl-"
   • 3. a thing dependent on another factor or factors: "class shame is a function of social power" Similar consequenceresultoutcomeramificationcorollaryconcomitantdated:issueOpposite cause
   • 4. a large or formal social event or ceremony: "he was obliged to attend party functions" Similar social eventpartyoccasionsocial occasionaffairgatheringreceptionsoiréecelebrationjamboreegalaleveeinformal:dobashshindigshindyblowoutrave-upthrashknees-upjollybeanfeastbunfightbeanolig

   verb

   • 1. work or operate in a proper or particular way: "her liver is functioning normally" Similar workgorunbe in working/running orderoperateperformbe in actionbe operativeOpposite malfunction
   • ▪ fulfill the purpose or task of (a specified thing): "the museum intends to function as an educational and study center" Similar serveactoperateperformworkbehavehave/do the job ofplay the role ofact the part ofperform the function ofdo duty asconstituteform

   Word Origin mid 16th century: from French fonction, from Latin functio(n-), from fungi ‘perform’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. functionless adjective

   Scrabble Points: 13

   • F

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   • U

     1

   • N

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   • C

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   • T

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   • I

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   • O

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   • N

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