function-n; 6 Senses

Sense Number 1: a mathematical relation which is a well-defined mapping between two sets

Commentary: FUNCTION[+relation][+mathematical][+mapping][+rigorous][+between_sets]

Examples:
This math course will cover probability density functions and cumulative dsitribution functions.
A set of values where each value is mapped to itself is the identity function.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 1

Sense Number 2: a dependancy between phenomena

Commentary: FUNCTION[+relation][+dependancy][+approximate][+between_entities]
NOTE: this sense is related to Sense 1, but is usually not as quantitatively rigorous, more of an approximation based on empirical sampling.

Examples:
These diseases are largely a function of stress.
Height is a function of age.
The sociologist said that class shame was a function of social power.
Mary's mood swings seem to be a function of how much sleep she gets.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 4

Sense Number 3: the purpose or utility of something

Commentary: FUNCTION[+relation][+role][+utility][+purpose]

Examples:
The function of a hammer is to drive nails.
At some basic level, the function of a bridge and a tunnel are the same.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 2

Sense Number 4: the essential duty or responsibility of an occupation

Commentary: FUNCTION[+relation][+role][+duty][+essential][+of_occupation]

Examples:
The function of a good drill sergeant is to turn recruits into soldiers ready for combat.
Providing the guiding vision of a company is the function of the CEO.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 3

Sense Number 5: a social occasion, often official or formal

Commentary: FUNCTION[+event][+social][+occasion][+official]

Examples:
John is taking Sally to some black-tie function on Saturday night.
It was just a boring corporate function with people standing around trying to network.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 5, 6

Sense Number 6: the processing or operation of something

Commentary: FUNCTION[+event][+operation][+processing][+of_entity]

Examples:
Vitamin A is required for normal eye function.
A computer performed the function of calculating the rocket's orbit.

Mappings:
WordNet 3.0 Sense Numbers: 7