work function
Americannoun
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Physics. the least energy necessary to free an electron from a metal surface.
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Thermodynamics. Helmholtz function.
noun
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φ, Φ. physics the minimum energy required to transfer an electron from a point within a solid to a point just outside its surface
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thermodynamics another name (not now used because of confusion with sense 1) for Helmholtz function
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"These women are genuinely suffering and it's affecting their ability to work, function, socialise and just exist," she says.
From BBC ● Aug. 3, 2026
Hearing this read aloud at a work function isn't grounds for a conversation with HR but, rather, company lore that must be taken seriously.
From Salon ● Feb. 15, 2025
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 ● Apr. 20, 2022
She and Emhoff dated for six months before she invited him to a work function, a speech she gave about truancy.
From Washington Post ● Aug. 18, 2020
In every case where the work energy applied has no opportunity of expending itself, its presence will be indicated by an increase in the pressure or work function of the gas.
From The Energy System of Matter A Deduction from Terrestrial Energy Phenomena by James Weir
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