function² v [I] 1 to work in a particular way 运行，运作: Can you explain exactly how this new system will function? 你能否确切地解释一下，这个新系统是如何运作的？ 2 if a machine is functioning, it is working in the way that it should work 〔机器〕运转
function as sth to be used in a particular way 作…用，起…作用: a noun functioning as an adjective 用作形容词的名词