Algol

[ al-gol, -gawl ]

/ ˈæl gɒl, -gɔl /

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noun

a star of the second magnitude in the constellation Perseus: the first known and most famous eclipsing binary star.

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Also called Demon Star.

Origin of Algol

1350–1400; Middle English <Arabic, equivalent to al the + ghūlghoul; as translation of Greek (Ptolemy) gorgónion the head of the Gorgon Medusa, held by Perseus

Words nearby Algol

alginate, algin fiber, alginic acid, algo, algoid, Algol, algolagnia, algology, algometer, Algonkian, Algonkin

Other definitions for Algol (2 of 2)

ALGOL

[ al-gol, -gawl ]

/ ˈæl gɒl, -gɔl /

Computers.

a computer language in which information is expressed in algebraic notation and according to the rules of Boolean algebra.

Origin of ALGOL

1955–60; algo(rithmic)l(anguage)

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use Algol in a sentence

To Goodricke, however, is due the rediscovery of Algol's variability.
Half-hours with the Telescope|Richard A. Proctor
It is an Algol star in that its light remains constant between the eclipses.
The Popular Science Monthly, October, 1900|Various
It might therefore be supposed that we have here a star of the Algol or Beta Lyr type.
The Popular Science Monthly, October, 1900|Various
This dark star sometimes comes between Algol and the observer and cuts off the light.
Young Folks' Library, Volume XI (of 20)|Various

Roberts, in South Africa, has done splendid work on the periods of variables of the Algol type.
History of Astronomy|George Forbes

British Dictionary definitions for Algol (1 of 2)

Algol¹

/ (ˈælɡɒl) /

noun

the second brightest star in Perseus, the first known eclipsing binary. Visual magnitude: 2.2–3.5; period: 68.8 hours; spectral type (brighter component): B8V

Word Origin for Algol

C14: from Arabic al ghūl the ghoul

British Dictionary definitions for Algol (2 of 2)

Algol²

/ (ˈælɡɒl) /

noun

a computer programming language designed for mathematical and scientific purposes; a high-level language

Word Origin for Algol

C20 alg (orithmic) o (riented) l (anguage)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012