Definitions for the word "function" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. n.
The act of executing or performing any duty, office, or calling; per formance.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. n.
The appropriate action of any special organ or part of an animal or vegetable organism; as, the function of the heart or the limbs; the function of leaves, sap, roots, etc.; life is the sum of the functions of the various organs and parts of the body.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. n.
The natural or assigned action of any power or faculty, as of the soul, or of the intellect; the exertion of an energy of some determinate kind.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. n.
The course of action which peculiarly pertains to any public officer in church or state; the activity appropriate to any business or profession.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. n.
A quantity so connected with another quantity, that if any alteration be made in the latter there will be a consequent alteration in the former. Each quantity is said to be a function of the other. Thus, the circumference of a circle is a function of the diameter. If x be a symbol to which different numerical values can be assigned, such expressions as x2, 3x, Log. x, and Sin. x, are all functions of x.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. v. i.
Alt. of Functionate
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. n.
1 a proper or necessary role, activity, or purpose. B official or professional duty. 2 public or social occasion. 3 math. Quantity whose value depends on the varying values of others. v. Fulfil a function, operate. [latin fungor funct- perform]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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