function

Pronunciation: /ˈfʌŋkʃən/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B2 — Upper-Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun (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)
  2. noun what something is used for
  3. noun the actions and activities assigned to or required or expected of a person or group

Etymology

From Middle French function, from Old French fonction, from Latin functiō (“performance, execution”), from functus, perfect participle of fungor (“to perform, execute, discharge”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰewg- (“to enjoy”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

mathematical function, single-valued function, map, mapping

Semantic network

Broader (hypernyms)
mathematical relation
Narrower (hyponyms)
threshold function, expansion, polynomial, metric function, operator, kronecker delta

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