function key

Any of a set of keys on a personal computer or terminal keyboard used to activate a predefined or programmable function, especially a numbered row of keys (F1, F2, etc.) above the alphanumeric keys.

Noun

  1. Any of a set of keys on a personal computer or terminal keyboard used to activate a predefined or programmable function, especially a numbered row of keys (F1, F2, etc.) above the alphanumeric keys.

Origin

First use appears c. 1930 in the listing of U.S. Patents.

Forms

function keys