iteration

American  

[it-uh-rey-shuhn] / ˌɪt əˈreɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of repeating; a repetition.

2. Mathematics.

   1. Also called successive approximation.  a problem-solving or computational method in which a succession of approximations, each building on the one preceding, is used to achieve a desired degree of accuracy.

   2. an instance of the use of this method.

3. Digital Technology.

   1. a repetition of a statement or statements in a computer program.

   2. a different version of an existing data set, software program, hardware device, etc..

      A new iteration of the data will be released next month.

4. a different form or version of something.

   He designed the previous iteration of our logo.

5. a development strategy that involves a cyclical process of refining or tweaking the latest version of a product, process, or idea to make a subsequent version.

   Our startup is relying on rapid iteration in the next software development cycle.

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Etymology

Origin of iteration

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English from Latin iterātiōn-, stem of iterātiō; see iterate, -ion

Explanation

An iteration is a repetition of something. Your nagging friend's message might be lost on you after the umpteenth iteration. The noun iteration comes from the Latin verb iterum, which means "again," which makes a lot of sense when you consider the meaning of the word, "the act of repeating." Don’t get confused by the similar word reiteration, which essentially means the same thing. Either word is proper to use. Although when you think about it, the "re" means again anyway, so that word actually means "to repeat again," which is in itself a little redundant, don't you think?

Example Sentences

“Few ideas work on the first try. Iteration is key to innovation. We are seeing significant improvement in learning outcomes and student engagement. ”

From New York Times • Dec. 11, 2013

Iteration after iteration, Mr Levchin, Mr Thiel and a clutch of others associated with the company are now billionaires.

From BBC • Jun. 5, 2013

Antiquities, “Baptism, Iteration of”; and on that of the readmission of heretics into the church, compare Martene, De ritibus, and Morinus, De poenitentia.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 3 "Helmont, Jean" to "Hernosand" by Various

Iteration is the chief mark of ballad style; and the favorite form of this effective figure is what one may call incremental repetition.

From Library of the World's Best Literature, Ancient and Modern — Volume 3 by Mabie, Hamilton Wright

In this process there are three main points to be remembered - Concentration, Iteration, and Assertion.

From Problems of Conduct by Drake, Durant