function

func|tion¹ W1S3 [ˈfʌŋkʃən] n

[Date: 1500-1600; : Latin; Origin: functio, from fungi 'to perform']

1.) [U and C]

the purpose that something has, or the job that someone or something does

perform/fulfil a function

▪ In your new job you will perform a variety of functions.

▪ The church fulfils a valuable social function.

▪ The nervous system regulates our bodily functions (=eating, breathing, going to the toilet etc) .

▪ Bauhaus architects thought that function was more important than form.

2.)

a large party or official event

▪ This room may be hired for weddings and other functions.

3.) [C usually singular] technical

a quantity or quality whose value changes according to another quantity or quality that is related to it

▪ The degree of drought is largely a function of temperature and drainage.

4.)

one of the basic operations performed by a computer

function ²

function² v

1.) to work in the correct or intended way

function normally/correctly/properly etc

▪ Flights in and out of Taipei are functioning normally again.

▪ Her legs have now ceased to function .

▪ You know I can't function (=cannot perform normal activities) without a coffee in the morning.

2.) if something functions in a particular way, it works in that way

▪ an understanding of how the economy functions

function as [function as sth] [i]phr v

if something functions as a particular thing, it does what that type of thing normally does, or is used as that thing

▪ A library is functioning as a temporary hospital to cope with casualties.