1. What something is used for
   "the function of an auger is to bore holes";
   - purpose, role, use
    
2. The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
   "the function of a teacher";
   - office, part, role
    
3. (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)
   "The students learned to graph mathematical functions";
   - mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping
    
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 set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
   "The programmer created a function to handle user input validation";
   - routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure
    
6. A formal or official social gathering or ceremony
   "it was a black-tie function"

1. Perform as intended or designed
   "This old radio doesn't function anymore";
   - work, operate, go, run
    
2. Act to fulfil a purpose, role, or function
   "The table functions as a desk";
   - serve
    
3. Perform duties attached to a particular office, place or function
   "His wife functioned as his private secretary";
   - officiate

Derived forms: functions, functioning, functioned

See also: functional, nonfunctional

Type of: answer, computer software, do, duty, execute, mathematical relation, package, perform, relation, serve, software, software package, software program, software system, suffice, usefulness, utility

Antonym: malfunction

Part of: computer program, computer programme [Brit], program, programme [Brit, Cdn]

Encyclopedia: Function