Polyfunctional

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting the capability to undertake various roles or functions simultaneously
2. Referring to an object or system designed to fulfill multiple tasks or purposes at the same time
3. Capable of performing several different roles or purposes within a single entity

Etymology: Poly- comes from the Greek "polys," meaning "many," and it appears in English compounds such as "polygon" and "polytheism." The other half, "functional," comes from "function," borrowed into English from the Latin "functio," which derives from "fungi," meaning "to perform" or "to discharge a duty." Joined together, the two parts describe something that performs many roles. The pieces are old, but the combined form is a modern English formation, built from familiar parts rather than inherited from a single earlier term. Its sense follows directly from its parts: a polyfunctional tool, building, or system is one that is built to serve several purposes at once.

Synonyms: multifunctional