functional group
nounUK /ˈfʌŋkʃənəl ɡruːp/
US /ˈfʌŋkʃənəl ɡruːp/
A functional group is a small part of a molecule that gives the molecule its special job or behavior.
The alcohol functional group makes this molecule dissolve easily in water.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A set of people who work together because of their shared role or task.
The marketing functional group meets every Monday.
3. A unit within a business organized around a specific activity, such as finance or sales.
She moved from the sales functional group to the finance functional group.
4. In social science, a collection of individuals who share a common purpose or function in a system.
The committee acts as a functional group within the larger organization.