function key

func·tion key

F f

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [fuhngk-shuh n kee]
- /ˈfʌŋk ʃən ki/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [fuhngk-shuh n kee]
- /ˈfʌŋk ʃən ki/

Definitions of function key words

noun function key a key on a computer keyboard or terminal that, when pressed, alone or in combination with other keys, causes a specific computational or mechanical operation to be carried out. 1
noun function key button on computer keyboard 1
noun Technical meaning of function key (hardware) (From the IBM 3270 terminal's Programmed Function Keys (PF keys)) One of a set of special keys on a computer or terminal keyboard which can be programmed so as to cause an application program to perform certain actions. Function keys on a terminal may either generate short fixed sequences of characters, often beginning with the escape character (ASCII 27), or the characters they generate may be configured by sending special character sequences to the terminal. On a microcomputer keyboard, the function keys may generate a fixed, single byte code, outside the normal ASCII range, which is translated into some other configurable sequence by the keyboard device driver or interpreted directly by the application program. 1
countable noun function key Function keys are the keys along the top of a computer keyboard, usually numbered from F1 to F12. Each key is designed to make a particular thing happen when you press it. 0
noun function key a key on the keyboard of a microcomputer, etc. that gives special commands to the computer 0

See all 5 definitions of function key

Information block about the term

Parts of speech for Function key

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Function key

function key popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 36% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.

According to our data about 58% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

function key usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

Synonyms for function key

noun function key

alt — (esp of vocal music) high in pitch

Just one Synonym for function key