function

1. (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) (synset 113806028)
   referred to in: math, mathematics, maths - a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement
   is a type of: mathematical relation - a relation between mathematical expressions (such as equality or inequality)
   subtypes:

   • multinomial, polynomial - a mathematical function that is the sum of a number of terms
   • expansion - a function expressed as a sum or product of terms
   • inverse function - a function obtained by expressing the dependent variable of one function as the independent variable of another; f and g are inverse functions if f(x)=y and g(y)=x
   • kronecker delta - a function of two variables i and j that equals 1 when i=j and equals 0 otherwise
   • metric, metric function - a function of a topological space that gives, for any two points in the space, a value equal to the distance between them
   • transformation - (mathematics) a function that changes the position or direction of the axes of a coordinate system
   • isometry - a one-to-one mapping of one metric space into another metric space that preserves the distances between each pair of points
   • operator - (mathematics) a symbol or function representing a mathematical operation
   • circular function, trigonometric function - function of an angle expressed as a ratio of the length of the sides of right-angled triangle containing the angle
   • threshold function - a function that takes the value 1 if a specified function of the arguments exceeds a given threshold and 0 otherwise
   • exponential, exponential function - a function in which an independent variable appears as an exponent
   same as: map, mapping, mathematical function, single-valued function
2. What something is used for (synset 105156572)
   "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?"
   tells us about:

   • functional - designed for or capable of a particular function or use
   • nonfunctional - not having or performing a function
   is a type of: usefulness, utility - the quality of being of practical use
   subtypes: raison d'etre - the purpose that justifies a thing's existence
   same as: purpose, role, use
3. The actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group (synset 100721817)
   "the function of a teacher"; "the government must do its part"; "play its role"
   is a type of: duty - work that you are obliged to perform for moral or legal reasons
   subtypes:

   • capacity - a specified function
   • hat - an informal term for a person's role
   • portfolio - the role of the head of a government department
   • lieu, place, position, stead - the post or function properly or customarily occupied or served by another
   • second fiddle - a secondary role or function
   same as: office, part, role
4. A relation such that one thing is dependent on another (synset 113803376)
   "height is a function of age"; "price is a function of supply and demand"
   is a type of: relation - an abstraction belonging to or characteristic of two entities or parts together
5. A formal or official social gathering or ceremony (synset 108269388)
   "it was a black-tie function"
   is a type of: social affair, social gathering - a gathering for the purpose of promoting fellowship
6. A vaguely specified social event (synset 107461861)
   "the party was quite an affair"; "an occasion arranged to honor the president"; "a seemingly endless round of social functions"
   is a type of: social event - an event characteristic of persons forming groups
   subtypes:

   • party - an occasion on which people can assemble for social interaction and entertainment
   • celebration, jubilation - a joyful occasion for special festivities to mark some happy event
   • ceremonial, ceremonial occasion, ceremony, observance - a formal event performed on a special occasion
   • fundraiser - a social function that is held for the purpose of raising money
   • photo op, photo opportunity - an occasion that lends itself to (or is deliberately arranged for) taking photographs that provide favorable publicity for those who are photographed
   • sleepover - an occasion of spending a night away from home or having a guest spend the night in your home (especially as a party for children)
   same as: affair, occasion, social function, social occasion
7. A set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program (synset 106594579)
   is a type of: computer software, package, software, software package, software program, software system - (computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory
   subtypes:

   • cataloged procedure - a set of control statements that have been placed in a library and can be retrieved by name
   • contingency procedure - an alternative to the normal procedure; triggered if an unusual but anticipated situation arises
   • library routine - a debugged routine that is maintained in a program library
   • random number generator - a routine designed to yield a random number
   • recursive routine - a routine that can call itself
   • reusable routine - a routine that can be loaded once and executed repeatedly
   • executive routine, supervisory routine - a routine that coordinates the operation of subroutines
   • tracing routine - a routine that provides a chronological record of the execution of a computer program
   • service routine, utility routine - a routine that can be used as needed
   is a part of: computer program, computer programme, program, programme - (computer science) a sequence of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute
   same as: procedure, routine, subprogram, subroutine

1. Perform as expected when applied (synset 201528454)
   "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"
   subtypes:

   • double - do double duty; serve two purposes or have two functions
   • roll - begin operating or running
   • run - be operating, running or functioning
   • cut - function as a cutting instrument
   • serve, service - be used by; as of a utility
   same as: go, operate, run, work
   verb group:

   • run - be operating, running or functioning
   • work - operate in or through
2. Serve a purpose, role, or function (synset 202676679)
   "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"
   is a type of: answer, do, serve, suffice - be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
   subtypes:

   • prelude - serve as a prelude or opening to
   • act as - function as or act like
   same as: serve
   verb group: serve, service - be used by; as of a utility
3. Perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function (synset 201098908)
   "His wife officiated as his private secretary"
   is a type of: serve - do duty or hold offices; serve in a specific function
   same as: officiate

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