work function

noun

1. Physics. the least energy necessary to free an electron from a metal surface.
2. Thermodynamics. Helmholtz function.

work function

noun

1. physics the minimum energy required to transfer an electron from a point within a solid to a point just outside its surface φΦ
2. thermodynamics another name (not now used because of confusion with sense 1) for Helmholtz function

Example Sentences

The distinctions lie in the specifics, and rom-coms succeed on how memorable those specifics are: enduring a weird Welsh roommate, faking a climax in Katz’s, skewering terrible Christmas sweaters, falling in love over the radio, leading your colleagues in “Thriller” at a work function, enjoying the dulcet strains of AOL’s dial-up tone.

From New York Times

The souvenirs, like much of the multidisciplinary artist’s work, function as an encapsulation of her memory.

From New York Times

The 32-year-old said the medication allows her to work, function and maintain relationships but she is now having to make it "stretch a little bit further" as she deals with the rising cost of living.

From BBC

At a recent work function, Ms. Harris found herself fielding complaints from a colleague about the daily cost of R.T.O.:

From New York Times

But I just think of the negative parts that I’ve heard, even from people in my own family, like men saying, oh, now I could never go to this work function with a woman, because what if she accuses me?

From New York Times