function
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bodily functions
euphemism The normal workings of the body, especially those usually done in private, such as urinating or defecating. When you have three sons, bodily functions are a common topic of discussion around the house. Can we please not talk about bodily functions at the dinner table? Thank you so much. My toddler is totally fascinated by bodily functions, so I guess potty-training is just around the corner for us.
See also: function
form follows function
The philosophy that the structure of something, especially a building, should first and foremost be designed with its intended function in mind, its aesthetic features being secondary. You can tell the architect who designed the campus believed that form follows function. Pretty much all the buildings are just big concrete boxes! I would never be the type of architect who strictly thinks that form follows function. I want to incorporate wavy shapes and organic elements! Form follows function, remember? If you're designing an office building, it shouldn't look like the Parthenon.
function as (something)
To have a particular purpose or fill a certain role. Mrs. Smith will function as your homeroom teacher for the rest of the year now that Mrs. Jones is on maternity leave. Well, our file clerk already knows how to cover the front desk—she'll just have to function as our receptionist until we hire someone new. I'm so overwhelmed right now that I've barely thought about who will function as the baby's godparents.
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Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2026 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
bodily functions
Euph. anything the body does automatically or as a normal occurrence, especially urinating and defecating. The dog needed to go outside and perform her bodily functions. It is not polite to discuss bodily functions at the dinner table.
See also: function
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
function as
v.
To serve a purpose or play a role similar to that of something else: The beaks of some wading birds function as spears for catching fish.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.