Definition: functional
functional
adj 1: designed for or capable of a particular function or use; "a
style of writing in which every word is functional";
"functional architecture" [ant: nonfunctional]
2: (pathology) involving or affecting function rather than
physiology; "functional deafness" [ant: organic]
3: relating to or based on function especially as opposed to
structure; "the problem now is not a constitutional one;
it is a functional one"; "delegates elected on a
functional rather than a geographical basis"
4: fit or ready for use or service; "the toaster was still
functional even after being dropped"; "the lawnmower is a
bit rusty but still usable"; "an operational aircraft";
"the dishwasher is now in working order" [syn: usable, useable,
in working order, operable, operational]
5: designed for or adapted to a function or use; "functional
education selects knowledge that is concrete and usable
rather than abstract and theoretical"; "functional
architecture"
6: (of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing; "in
running (or working) order"; "a functional set of brakes"
[syn: running, operative, working]
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
Functional \Func"tion*al\, a.
1. Pertaining to, or connected with, a function or duty;
official.
2. (Physiol.) Pertaining to the function of an organ or part,
or to the functions in general.
Functional disease (Med.), a disease of which the symptoms
cannot be referred to any appreciable lesion or change of
structure; the derangement of an organ arising from a
cause, often unknown, external to itself opposed to
organic disease, in which the organ itself is affected.
Source: The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (2003-OCT-10)
functional 1. Working correctly. 2. Pertaining to functional programming. 3. higher-order function.
