Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Performance \Per*form"ance\, n.
   The act of performing; the carrying into execution or action;
   execution; achievement; accomplishment; representation by
   action; as, the performance of an undertaking of a duty.

         Promises are not binding where the performance is
         impossible.                              --Paley.

   2. That which is performed or accomplished; a thing done or
      carried through; an achievement; a deed; an act; a feat;
      esp., an action of an elaborate or public character. ``Her
      walking and other actual performances.'' --Shak. ``His
      musical performances.'' --Macaulay.

   Syn: Completion; consummation; execution; accomplishment;
        achievement; production; work; act; action; deed;
        exploit; feat.

Source : WordNet®

performance
     n 1: a dramatic or musical entertainment; "they listened to ten
          different performances"; "the play ran for 100
          performances"; "the frequent performances of the
          symphony testify to its popularity" [syn: {public
          presentation}]
     2: the act of performing; of doing something successfully;
        using knowledge as distinguished from merely possessing
        it; "they criticised his performance as mayor";
        "experience generally improves performance" [syn: {execution},
         {carrying out}, {carrying into action}]
     3: the act of presenting a play or a piece of music or other
        entertainment; "we congratulated him on his performance at
        the rehearsal"; "an inspired performance of Mozart's C
        minor concerto"
     4: process or manner of functioning or operating; "the power of
        its engine determine its operation"; "the plane's
        operation in high winds"; "they compared the cooking
        performance of each oven"; "the jet's performance
        conformed to high standards" [syn: {operation}, {functioning}]
     5: any recognized accomplishment; "they admired his performance
        under stress"; "when Roger Maris powered four home runs in
        one game his performance merits awe"