function
1. (mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each element of a given set (the domain of the function) is associated with an element of another set (the range of the function) (Freq. 43) • Syn: mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping • Derivationally related forms: map (for: mapping), map (for: map) • Topics: mathematics, math, maths • Hypernyms: mathematical relation • Hyponyms: polynomial, multinomial, expansion, inverse function, Kronecker delta, metric function, metric, transformation, isometry, operator, trigonometric function, circular function, threshold function, exponential, exponential function 2. what something is used for (Freq. 24) - the function of an auger is to bore holes - ballet is beautiful but what use is it? • Syn: purpose, role, use • Hypernyms: utility, usefulness • Hyponyms: raison d'etre • Attrubites: functional, nonfunctional 3. the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group (Freq. 7) - the function of a teacher - the government must do its part - play its role • Syn: office, part, role • Derivationally related forms: officiate (for: office) • Hypernyms: duty • Hyponyms: capacity, hat, portfolio, stead, position, place, lieu, second fiddle 4. a relation such that one thing is dependent on another - height is a function of age - price is a function of supply and demand • Hypernyms: relation 5. a formal or official social gathering or ceremony - it was a black-tie function • Hypernyms: social gathering, social affair 6. a vaguely specified social event - the party was quite an affair - an occasion arranged to honor the president - a seemingly endless round of social functions • Syn: affair, occasion, social occasion, social function • Hypernyms: social event • Hyponyms: party, celebration, jubilation, ceremony, ceremonial, ceremonial occasion, observance, fundraiser, photo opportunity, photo op, sleepover 7. a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program • Syn: routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure • Derivationally related forms: procedural (for: procedure) • Hypernyms: software, software program, computer software, software system, software package, package • Hyponyms: cataloged procedure, contingency procedure, library routine, random number generator, recursive routine, reusable routine, supervisory routine, executive routine, tracing routine, utility routine, service routine • Part Holonyms: program, programme, computer program, computer programme
1. perform as expected when applied (Freq. 9) - The washing machine won't go unless it's plugged in - Does this old car still run well? - This old radio doesn't work anymore • Syn: work, operate, go, run • Ant: malfunction • Derivationally related forms: operative (for: operate), operant (for: operate), operation (for: operate), functioning • Hyponyms: double, roll, run, cut, service, serve • Verb Group: run, work • Verb Frames: - Something ----s - These cars won't function 2. serve a purpose, role, or function (Freq. 3) - The tree stump serves as a table - The female students served as a control group - This table would serve very well - His freedom served him well - The table functions as a desk • Syn: serve • Hypernyms: suffice, do, answer, serve • Hyponyms: prelude, act as • Verb Group: service, serve • Verb Frames: - Something ----s - Somebody ----s - Somebody ----s somebody - Something ----s something 3. perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function (Freq. 1) - His wife officiated as his private secretary • Syn: officiate • Derivationally related forms: functionary, officiation (for: officiate), office (for: officiate), officiating (for: officiate) • Hypernyms: serve • Verb Frames: - Somebody ----s - Somebody ----s PP
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