one-way function

1. A transfer function f which is relatively easy to compute, but for which, for a general value, y , within the selected range, it is computationally difficult to find a value x within the expected domain such that f(x) = y. There may be several values for y , for which finding x is not computationally difficult. [After X.509] 2. A function which is easy to compute but whose inverse is computationally intractable [10181-1]. 3. A (mathematical) function which is easy to compute but whose inverse is computationally intractable [10181-2].