functionatev.
/ˈfʌŋ(k)ʃəneɪt/, /ˈfʌŋ(k)ʃn̩eɪt/, U.S. /ˈfəŋ(k)ʃəˌneɪt/ Now rare.
intransitive. To perform one's function; to operate, function. Also: to officiate at a function.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > operate [verb (intransitive)] > function
functionate1843
function1844
fire1873
operatea1918
society > occupation and work > duties > [verb (intransitive)]
officiate1649
functionate1843
function1844
functionize1847
1843 Ann. Electr., Magnetism, & Chem. 10 56 The mercury, which had functionated in the acidulated water as the negative electrode of a voltaic apparatus.
1856 C. J. Lever Martins of Cro' Martin 149 The worst of the class is, they'll only functionate for your grand dinners, and they leave your every-day meal to some inferior in the department.
1873 E. H. Clarke Sex in Educ. 40 The muscles and the brain cannot functionate in their best way at the same moment.
1961 L. H. Sullivan Democracy iv. vi. 224 We..thus set the individual right in social space, locating his ego where it belongs, and where it can functionate in a genuine way.
Derivatives
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > [adjective] > in operation
workfulOE
operant?a1425
operative?a1425
inworking1587
energetical1595
afloat1604
working1609
energetic1629
active1641
energizing1751
energic1786
operating1825
functioning1835
running1842
functionating1884
functional1892
1884 Phrenol. Jrnl. 79 259/2 It is a complex machine composed of many parts through the instrumentality or functionating influence, of which all mental phenomena are manifested.
1891 D. Wilson Right Hand 187 The existence, then, of greater nutrition and greater functionating ability in the left hemisphere might well be assumed.
1910 Amer. Jrnl. Philol. 31 455 In this functionating, it has the appearance of intelligence.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2017; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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v.1843