recursion

American  

[ri-kur-zhuhn] / rɪˈkɜr ʒən /

noun

Mathematics, Computers.

1. the process of defining a function or calculating a number by the repeated application of an algorithm.

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recursion British  

/ rɪˈkɜːʃən /

noun

1. the act or process of returning or running back

2. logic maths the application of a function to its own values to generate an infinite sequence of values. The recursion formula or clause of a definition specifies the progression from one term to the next, as given the base clause f (0) = 0, f ( n + 1) = f ( n ) + 3 specifies the successive terms of the sequence f ( n ) = 3 n

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• recursive
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of recursion

1925–30; < Late Latin recursiōn- (stem of recursiō ) a running back, equivalent to recurs ( us ) ( see recourse) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Recursion used that finding to acquire an experimental treatment that hits that protein.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 2, 2026

Nvidia sold its entire stake in Recursion Pharmaceuticals, while Cathie Wood’s ARK Invest acquired 1.25 million shares.

From Barron's • Feb. 19, 2026

US-based Recursion Pharmaceuticals says its approach mitigates the problems of limited data.

From BBC • Jan. 9, 2025

But last year’s string of attacks may have been performed by the members of a cybercriminal group called Recursion Team.

From The Verge • Mar. 30, 2022

“It is infinitely easier to bring that kind of talent into Canada,” said Heather Kirkby, chief people officer at Recursion, a company that applies A.I. to drug discovery.

From New York Times • Mar. 21, 2022