mapping

mapping
    n 1: (mathematics) a mathematical relation such that each
         element of a given set (the domain of the function) is
         associated with an element of another set (the range of the
         function) [syn: {function}, {mathematical function},
         {single-valued function}, {map}, {mapping}]
    2: (genetics) the process of locating genes on a chromosome
       [syn: {mapping}, {chromosome mapping}]
    

Map \Map\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Mapped}; p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Mapping}.]
   To represent by a map; -- often with out; as, to survey and
   map, or map out, a county. Hence, figuratively: To represent
   or indicate systematically and clearly; to sketch; to plan;
   as, to map, or map out, a journey; to map out business.
   [1913 Webster]

         I am near to the place where they should meet, if
         Pisanio have mapped it truly.            --Shak.
   [1913 Webster]
    

mapping \mapping\ n. (Math.)
   A function such that for every element of one set there is a
   unique element of another set.

   Syn: map, correspondence.
        [WordNet 1.5]
    

function
mapping

   1. <mathematics> (Or "map", "mapping") If D and C are sets
   (the domain and codomain) then a function f from D to C,
   normally written "f : D -> C" is a subset of D x C such that:

   1. For each d in D there exists some c in C such that (d,c) is
   an element of f.  I.e. the function is defined for every
   element of D.

   2. For each d in D, c1 and c2 in C, if both (d,c1) and (d,c2)
   are elements of f then c1 = c2.  I.e. the function is uniquely
   defined for every element of D.

   See also {image}, {inverse}, {partial function}.

   2. <programming> Computing usage derives from the mathematical
   term but is much less strict.  In programming (except in
   {functional programming}), a function may return different
   values each time it is called with the same argument values
   and may have {side effects}.

   A {procedure} is a function which returns no value but has
   only {side-effects}.  The {C} language, for example, has no
   procedures, only functions.  {ANSI C} even defines a {type},
   {void}, for the result of a function that has no result.

   (1996-09-01)