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: 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: functional,
       usable, useable, 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(a), operative, functional, working(a)]

Functional \Func"tion*al\ (f[u^][ng]k"sh[u^]n*al), a.
   1. Pertaining to, or connected with, a function or duty;
      official.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Pathology, Physiol.) Pertaining to the function of an
      organ or part, or to the functions in general; involving
      or affecting function rather than physiology; as,
      functional deafness; a functional disease. See functional
      disease, below. [WordNet sense 2]
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Designed for or capable of a particular function or use;
      as, a style of writing in which every word is functional;
      functional architecture. [WordNet sense 1]
      [WordNet 1.6]

   4. Fit or ready for use or service; useable; in working
      order; as, the toaster was still functional even after
      being dropped; the lawnmower is a bit rusty but still
      functional. Antonym of out of order and nonfunctional.
      [WordNet sense 4 & 6]

   Syn: usable, useable, in working order(predicate), operable,
        operational, running(prenominal), operative.
        [WordNet 1.6]

   5. Designed to emphasize practical utility rather than
      artistic or aesthetic purposes; as, functional education
      selects knowledge that is concrete and usable rather than
      abstract and theoretical; functional architecture; an
      amateurish device, crude but functional.
      [WordNet 1.6]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

functional

   1. Working correctly.

   2. Pertaining to functional programming.

   3. higher-order function.