Definition of functionfopen
1. function [ n ] a mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at least one element of another set
Used in print:(Raymond C. Binder et al., editors, Proceedings...)
Heat_of_condensation ( work function ) plus kinetic_energy of the electrons impinging_on the anode .
(Harry H. Hull, "The Normal Forces and Their Ther...)
If * * f is the change per unit volume in Gibbs function caused by the shear field at constant P and T , and �r is the density of the fluid , then the total potential_energy of the system above the reference height is * * f .
This is interesting for it combines both the thermodynamic concept of a minimum Gibbs function for equilibrium and minimum mechanical potential_energy for equilibrium .
The relation between osmotic_pressure and the Gibbs function may also be developed in an analogous way .
The concept of the strain energy as a Gibbs function difference * * f and exerting a force normal to the shearing face is compatible with the information obtained from optical birefringence studies of fluids undergoing shear .
Synonyms function mathematical_function Related Terms mathematical_relation operator inverse_function exponential threshold_function mapping transformation trigonometric_function kronecker_delta metric mathematics2. function [ n ] what something is used for
Examples:
"the function of an auger is to bore holes"
"ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
(Jaroslav Pelikan, The Shape of Death: life, death and...)
Even death , therefore , has a providential as_well_as a punitive function .
(Richard F. McLaughlin, et al., "A study of the...)
Within certain wide limits anatomy dictates function and , if one is permitted to speculate , potential pathology should be included in this statement as_well .
(J. W. C. Hagstrom et al., "Debilitating muscular...)
Thyroid function tests yielded normal results .
In_spite of normal thyroid function tests , a trial of propylthiouracil , 400 mg. daily for one week , was given but served only to intensify muscle weakness .
(E. Gellhorn, "Prolegomena to a theory of the emotions"...)
MacLean stressed correctly the importance of the visceral_brain for preservation of the individual and the species , as evidenced by the influence of the limbic_brain ( including the hypothalamus ) on emotions related_to fight and flight and also on sexual functions .
Synonyms use purpose function role Related Terms utility raison_d'etre serve functional nonfunctional3. function [ v ] perform as expected when applied
Examples:
"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"
(Joyce O. Hertzler, American Social Institutions;...)
The place of religion in the simple , preliterate societies is quite definite ; as a complex it fits into the whole social_organization and functions dominantly in every part of_it .
(William S. Haymond, "Is Distance an Original...)
Therefore , if the sense_of_touch is functioning normally and there is a complete absence of spatial awareness in a psychically blind person when the eyes are closed and an object is handled , the conclusion seems unavoidable that touch by itself cannot focus and take possession of the third-dimensionality of things and that actual sight or visual representations are necessary .
How , then , do the kinesthetic sensations function in all this ?
(Whit Masterson, Evil Come, Evil Go....)
Bake was waiting to report that Lou_DuVol had been sobered_up to the point where he could function efficiently .
Synonyms operate work function run go Related Terms malfunction service run double roll cut pan_out run work operation4. function [ n ] the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group
Examples: : "the function of a teacher"
"the government must do its part"
"play its role"
(Nathan Rapport, ""I've Been Here before!"...)
As retinal images are conceded to be an integral function of the brain it seems logical to suppose that the nerves , between the inner brain and the eyes , carry the direct drive for cooperation from the various brain centers - rather_than to theorize on the transmission of an image which is already in required location .
(J. H. Hexter, "Thomas More: On the Margins...)
Its function is to separate from the base ruled mass , among whom private ownership prevails , the governing warrior elite .
In a properly ordered society the massive force of public_law performs the function which in natural_law theory ineptly is left altogether to a small_voice so often still .
Synonyms part role function office Related Terms duty stead capacity second_fiddle hat second_fiddle portfolio officiate5. function [ v ] serve a purpose, role, or function
Examples:
"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"
(Joyce O. Hertzler, American Social Institutions;...)
The belief in immortality , where held , functions as a redress for the ills and disappointments of the here_and_now .
Historically , religion has also functioned as a tremendous engine of vindication , enforcement , sanction , and perpetuation of various other institutions .
Synonyms serve function Related Terms suffice act_as prelude service6. function [ v ] perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function
Examples:
"His wife officiated as his private secretary"
(Harold Rosenberg, "The Trial and Eichmann"...)
But if there was evidence at the Trial that aimed over Eichmann 's head at his collaborators in the societies where he functioned , the press seems to have missed it .
Synonyms function officiate Related Terms serve office position umpirage office7. function [ n ] a relation such that one thing is dependent on another
Examples:
"height is a function of age"
"price is a function of supply and demand"
8. function [ n ] a formal or official social gathering or ceremony
Examples:
"it was a black-tie function"
9. function [ n ] a vaguely specified social event
Examples:
"the party was quite an affair"
"an occasion arranged to honor the president"
"a seemingly endless round of social functions"
10. function [ n ] a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
Synonyms routine procedure subprogram function subroutine Related Terms software contingency_procedure reusable_routine library_routine random_number_generator recursive_routine cataloged_procedure supervisory_routine tracing_routine utility_routine programSimilar Spelling
functionalfunctioning
functionary
functionally
functionality
functionalist
functionalism
function_word
function_call
