function (noun)
1: a mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at least one element of another set [syn: mathematical function]
2: what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?" [syn: purpose, role, use]
3: the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group; "the function of a teacher"; "the government must do its part"; "play its role" [syn: office, part, role]
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"
5: a formal or official social gathering or ceremony; "it was a black-tie function"
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]
7: a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program [syn: routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure]
function
(verb)
1: perform as expected when applied; "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]
2: serve a purpose, role, or function; "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]
3: perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function; "His wife officiated as his private secretary" [syn: officiate]