[fuhngk-shuh-nl] 
| 1. | of or pertaining to a function or functions: functional difficulties in the administration. |
| 2. | capable of operating or functioning: When will the ventilating system be functional again? |
| 3. | having or serving a utilitarian purpose; capable of serving the purpose for which it was designed: functional architecture; a chair that is functional as well as decorative. |
| 4. | Also, func⋅tion⋅al⋅is⋅tic. (of a building or furnishing) constructed or made according to the principles of functionalism or primarily as a direct fulfillment of a material need. |
| 5. | Medicine/Medical. without a known organic cause or structural change: a functional disorder. Compare organic (def. 5). |
| 6. | pertaining to an algebraic operation: a functional symbol. |
| 7. | Linguistics. (of linguistic analysis, language teaching, etc.) concerned with the communicative role of language rather than, in addition to, or as the framework for its formal structure. |
| 8. | Mathematics. a function that has a domain whose elements are functions, sets, or the like, and that assumes numerical values. |
| func·tion·al·i·ty (fŭngk'shə-nāl'ĭ-tē) n.
|
functional func·tion·al (fŭngk'shə-nəl)
adj.
Of or relating to a function.
Affecting the physiological function but not the structure.
| functional (fŭngk'shə-nəl) Pronunciation Key
Affecting bodily functions but not organic structure, as a disorder such as irritable bowel syndrome. Compare organic. |
functionality programming
Waffle for "features" or "function". The capabilities or behaviours of a program, part of a program, or system, seen as the sum of its features. Roughly, "the things it can do". Generally used in a comparative sense, e.g. "The latest update adds some useful functionality".
(1997-07-14)
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