Se> Given a relation R (in a relational databaSe), attribute Y of R iS functionally dependent on attribute X of R and X of R functionally determineS Y of R (in SymbolS R.X -> R.Y) if and only if each X in R haS aSSociated with it preciSely one Y in R (at any one time). AttributeS X and Y may be compoSite. ThiS iS very cloSe to a function in the mathematical SenSe. (1997-09-01)