1. (noun)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"
2. (noun)character, role, theatrical role, part, persona an actor's portrayal of someone in a play "she played the part of Desdemona"
3. (noun)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?"