Function symbol ($f^{(k)}$)

A function symbol is part of the syntax of a first-order language, with a specified finite arity. In a first-order structure it is interpreted as a function from the corresponding finite power of the domain into the domain. Applying it to the appropriate number of first-order terms forms another term. The symbol itself is distinguished from its interpretation in a particular structure.

A constant symbol is a zero-ary function symbol. Its interpretation in a first-order structure names one fixed domain element, and the symbol is a closed term. A language can contain no constant symbols unless a construction explicitly adds them.