Pronunciations (3)
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/ˈfʌŋkt͡ʃənəl/
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/ˈfʌŋkt͡ʃnəl/
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ˈfʌŋk(t)ʃənəl
Adjective
In good working order.
- Examples
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While we assume that phonological subsyllabic units are functional prior to reading skill, we have not ruled out a possible interaction with the writing system.
Useful; serving a purpose, fulfilling a function.
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That sculpture is not merely artistic, but also functional: it can be used as a hatrack.
More examples (1)
The two are often one and the same, says Walt Thompson, professor of kinesiology at Georgia State University and lead author of the ACSM survey – although functional fitness can apply to the younger generation as well.
Only for functional purposes, notably in architecture.
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A functional construction element generally must meet higher technical but lower aesthetical requirements.
Of or relating to one's role or office; official.
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functional responsibilities
Characterizing functioning in environment, being symptoms that do not presuppose alteration of organic structure.
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More examples (2)
The clinical differentiation between functional and organic disease is at times difficult to establish, because, presumptively, in the beginning, at least, all organic disease is preceded by a physiologic perversion, that is, functional alteration, which may or may not be apparent with our present diagnostic limitations. […] Though benign rhythmic disturbances, such as premature contractions or paroxysmal tachycardia, do occur, it is notoriously difficult and still the subject of argument whether these may be called functionally benign or whether they may prove to have organic significance. […] The lack of opportunity for the medical student to observe the functional states in the medical school clinics and hospital practice, because of lack of space, or interest in their care in intramural teaching, is, I believe, a most forceful argument for a period of extramural practice under intelligent tutelage.
In our study of participants aged 18–39, increasing age was associated with improved functioning in laundry task and overall social functioning, encompassing prosocial activities, recreation, independence–competence, and employment. […] However, several longitudinal and cross-sectional studies indicate that these improvements tend to plateau by the late twenties, and may decline as individuals transition into middle adulthood (Clarke et al., 2021; Smith et al., 2012; Tomaszewski et al., 2025). These patterns suggest that while functional gains may be observed through early adulthood, they may not be maintained beyond the early thirties. Therefore, longitudinal studies extending into middle and late adulthood are critically needed to clarify how trajectories of activities of daily living and social functioning evolve throughout the lifespan.
Optimized for all-around physiological benefit.
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functional coffee
functional fitness
Of or relating to a function or functions.
Having semantics defined purely in terms of mathematical functions, without side-effects.
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Noun
A function that takes a function as its argument; more precisely, a function whose argument varies in a space of (real- or complex-valued) functions and whose value belongs to a monodimensional space.
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An example of a functional is the definite integration of integrable real functions in a real interval.
A scalar-valued linear function on a vector space.
An object encapsulating a function pointer (or equivalent).
Adjective
designed for or capable of a particular function or use
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a style of writing in which every word is functional
functional architecture
involving or affecting function rather than physiology
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functional deafness
relating to or based on function especially as opposed to structure
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the problem now is not a constitutional one: it is a functional one
delegates elected on a functional rather than a geographical basis
fit or ready for use or service
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the toaster was still functional even after being dropped
the lawnmower is a bit rusty but still usable
More examples (1)
an operational aircraft
designed for or adapted to a function or use
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functional education selects knowledge that is concrete and usable rather than abstract and theoretical
functional architecture
(of e.g. a machine) performing or capable of performing
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in running (or working) order
a functional set of brakes