specifically: one that performs a calculation with variables (see variableentry 2 sense 1a) provided by a program and supplies the program with a single result
function implies a definite end or purpose or a particular kind of work.
the function of language is two-fold: to communicate emotion and to give information Aldous Huxley
office is typically applied to the function or service associated with a trade or profession or a special relationship to others.
they exercise the offices of the judge, the priest, the counsellor W. E. Gladstone
duty applies to a task or responsibility imposed by one's occupation, rank, status, or calling.
it is the judicial duty of the court, to examine the whole case R. B. Taney
province applies to a function, office, or duty that naturally or logically falls to one.
I felt it was not my province to inquire Anne Brontë
Example Sentences
Noun The function of the heart is to pump blood through the body. He believes that the true function of art is to tell the truth. What functions do these programs fulfill? infants learning to control their bodily functions The instrument is chiefly used to measure and record heart function. The design achieves a perfect blend of form and function. His job combines the functions of a manager and a worker. Her chief function is to provide expert legal advice. They went to several functions during their college reunion weekend. Verb The new machine functions well. His bad health has prevented him from being able to function effectively in recent weeks. Her heart now seems to be functioning normally. The computer network is not yet fully functioning. See More
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The student was arrested on two charges: possession of a firearm on school property, a felony, and misdemeanor disruption of a school function. Jeff Weiner, Orlando Sentinel, 14 Sep. 2022 Google and Alexa, too Home Assistant can provide a similar kind of gateway function to Google Assistant and the Google Home app—and to Amazon's Alexa devices and apps. Kevin Purdy, Ars Technica, 22 Aug. 2022 No evidence has emerged to support such a theory and the NIH consistently has denied any ties to organizational funding and gain-of-function research in Wuhan. Gregory Svirnovskiy, The Arizona Republic, 22 Aug. 2022 For materialists like himself, Danielsson says the collapse of a wave function in quantum mechanics is a result of an interaction with another physical system. Robert Lea, Popular Mechanics, 16 Aug. 2022 Most of the recent controversy over gain-of-function research has focused on research that makes viruses more deadly. Steven Salzberg, Forbes, 15 Aug. 2022 Under California law, death can be determined by the loss of all brain function and in accordance with accepted medical standards. Charles Trepany, USA TODAY, 13 Aug. 2022 Although household balance sheets remain in a position of relative strength, there is a fear factor at work, said Tamara Charm, partner and leader of the insights function at consulting firm McKinsey. Martha C. White For Cnn Business, CNN, 12 Aug. 2022 The brake fluid reservoir cap may not vent properly, creating a vacuum inside the brake fluid reservoir, and resulting in a brake fluid leak that may lead to a partial or total loss of brake function.Detroit Free Press, 12 Aug. 2022
Verb
The research community is excited about the potential of DNA to function as long-term archival storage. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 15 Sep. 2022 It’s not just a handheld console—it’s a PC that sometimes requires workarounds and tweaks for things to function properly.Wired, 28 July 2022 Tonia Reis, director of Edelman's Trust Barometer surveys, said trust is a precious commodity that's vital for the economy and government to function. David Klepper, ajc, 9 July 2022 Although the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends at least seven hours of sleep per night for adults, some people are able to function with a bit less. L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune, 25 Aug. 2022 Talks to resolve the problem have so far proved fruitless, said the Israeli official, who expressed pessimism as to whether the Jewish Agency would be able to continue to function in Russia. Dov Lieber, WSJ, 18 Aug. 2022 And in some cases, the lightest shade on a paint card could function as a white does when juxtaposed with your wall color. Jessica Bennett, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2022 Sports events function as a public-relations exercise and form a key part of the Saudi government’s long-term plan to transform the country and its reputation. Morgan Campbell, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2022 Pages can function like a Word document, spreadsheet or a file-storage system. Maddie Ellis, WSJ, 18 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
Noun and Verb
Latin function-, functio performance, from fungi to perform; probably akin to Sanskrit bhuṅkte he enjoys