[func.tion.al.ism] n (1914) 1: a philosophy of design (as in architecture) holding that form should be adapted to use, material, and structure
2: a theory that stresses the interdependence of the patterns and institutions of a society and their interaction in maintaining cultural and social unity
3: a doctrine or practice that emphasizes practical utility or functional relations -- func.tion.al.ist n -- functionalist or func.tion.al.is.tic adj