The noun function has 7 senses (first 3 from tagged texts)
1. (43) function, mathematical function -- (a mathematical relation such that each element of one set is associated with at least one element of another set)
2. (24) function, purpose, role, use -- (what something is used for; "the function of an auger is to bore holes"; "ballet is beautiful but what use is it?")
3. (7) function, office, part, role -- (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")
4. function -- (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. function -- (a formal or official social gathering or ceremony; "it was a black-tie function")
6. affair, occasion, social occasion, function, social function -- (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")
7. routine, subroutine, subprogram, procedure, function -- (a set sequence of steps, part of larger computer program)
Overview of verb function
The verb function has 3 senses (first 3 from tagged texts)
1. (9) function, work, operate, go, run -- (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")
2. (3) serve, function -- (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")
3. (1) officiate, function -- (perform duties attached to a particular office or place or function; "His wife officiated as his private secretary")