n.
- an activity that is natural to or the purpose of a person or thing.
▸a computer operation corresponding to a single instruction from the user.
- a large or formal social event or ceremony.
- Mathematics a relation or expression involving one or more variables.
▸a variable quantity regarded as depending on another variable.
- a thing dependent on another factor or factors.
- Chemistry a functional group.
v.
work or operate in a proper or particular way.
▸
(function as)
fulfil the purpose or task of (a specified thing).
Derivative
Etymology
C16: from Fr. fonction, from L. functio(n-), from fungi ‘perform’.