The DICT Development Group

  function
      n 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) [syn: function, mathematical function,
           single-valued function, map, mapping]
      2: what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to
         bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?" [syn:
         function, purpose, role, use]
      3: the actions and activities assigned to or required or
         expected of a person or group; "the function of a teacher";
         "the government must do its part"; "play its role" [syn:
         function, office, part, role]
      4: a relation such that one thing is dependent on another;
         "height is a function of age"; "price is a function of supply
         and demand"
      5: a formal or official social gathering or ceremony; "it was a
         black-tie function"
      6: a vaguely specified social event; "the party was quite an
         affair"; "an occasion arranged to honor the president"; "a
         seemingly endless round of social functions" [syn: affair,
         occasion, social occasion, function, social function]
      7: a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program
         [syn: routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure,
         function]
      v 1: perform as expected when applied; "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" [syn:
           function, work, operate, go, run] [ant:
           malfunction, misfunction]
      2: serve a purpose, role, or function; "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" [syn: serve,
         function]
      3: perform duties attached to a particular office or place or
         function; "His wife officiated as his private secretary"
         [syn: officiate, function]