Multifunctionally

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a way that accomplishes several different functions or tasks
2. Pertaining to a method that effectively meets various needs or requirements at the same time
3. In a manner that performs or supports several roles simultaneously

Etymology: "Multifunctionally" is simply "multifunctional" with the adverbial ending "-ly" added, and "multifunctional" itself is built from "multi-", a prefix taken from Latin "multus" meaning "many", joined to "functional", which comes from "function", a word rooted in Latin "fungi", meaning "to perform" or "to discharge a duty." Put together, the base describes something that performs many duties, and the adverb describes doing so in that manner. The adverb's meaning follows directly from that sense: an action carried out multifunctionally serves several purposes at once, such as a tool that works as a knife, a screwdriver and a bottle opener, or a space that is used for both office and storage. The word is a modern formation, so it describes how a thing is used rather than carrying any older sense of its own.

Synonyms: versatile, multipurpose, adaptively, flexibly, variously