work function

American  

noun

1. Physics. the least energy necessary to free an electron from a metal surface.

2. Thermodynamics. Helmholtz function.

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work function British  

noun

1.  φ.   Φ.  physics the minimum energy required to transfer an electron from a point within a solid to a point just outside its surface

2. thermodynamics another name (not now used because of confusion with sense 1) for Helmholtz function

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Example Sentences

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

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

Ms. Brisco thought they were attending a work function for Ms. Tucker with the mayor, but instead, while a brass band played Bill Withers’s “Just the Two of Us,” Ms. Tucker dropped to one knee in Jackson Square.

From New York Times