idlefunction
nounUK /ˈaɪdəl ˈfʌŋkʃən/
US /ˈaɪdəl ˈfʌŋkʃən/
A job that does nothing and just waits until it is needed.
The robot's idle function keeps it still until you press the start button.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A small helper in a computer program that runs only when the computer is not busy.
The idle function cleans up memory while the screen is off.
3. A feature that keeps a machine resting safely instead of working.
The car's idle function keeps the engine quiet at a red light.
4. A pretend job given to someone so they feel busy but do nothing important.
His idle function at the office was just to wave at visitors.