functionlessadj.
/ˈfʌŋ(k)ʃnləs/, U.S. /ˈfəŋ(k)ʃənləs/ Having no function; without a function.
ΘΚΠ
the world > life > the body > system > [adjective] > organ > not having function
functionless1819
the world > action or operation > harm or detriment > disadvantage > uselessness > [adjective] > having no function
functionless1819
inofficious1884
the world > plants > part of plant > part defined by form or function > [adjective] > having no function
functionless1879
1819 Eclectic Repertory & Analyt. Rev. 9 480 When one organ is functionless, another organ will become capable of increased action.
1836 A. W. Fonblanque Eng. under Seven Admin. (1837) III. 296 Its nominal functionless minister.
1879 A. W. Bennett in Academy 32 A fifth stamen, which however is functionless, so far as the ordinary purpose of stamens is concerned.
1920 Biol. Bull. 39 137 [The bacteria]..take possession of the adipocytes and render them functionless as fat cells.
1958 S. Plath Jrnl. 2 Mar. (2000) 342 Their uncomfortable second-floor flat, chairs turned wrong-side-to, records scattered, white marble fireplace angular & functionless.
2006 Science 24 Mar. 1730/1 Mutational and population-level processes that operate to increase amounts of functionless DNA.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2017; most recently modified version published online June 2022).
<
adj.1819