algorithm
[al-guh-rith-uh m]
- a set of rules for solving a problem in a finite number of steps, as for finding the greatest common divisor.
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Origin of algorithm
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Related Words
breakthroughdesignresultinnovationfindingdatamethodconclusioncoupgodsendprocessluckmachinesecretbonanzaprinciplewaytheoremdeviceformulaExamples from the Web for algorithm
Contemporary Examples
“Today we will learn the algorithm for receiving presents,” the instructor tells her students.
As long as that double-standard persists, no algorithm can fix its injustice.
Facebook Apologizes For, but Doesn’t Retract, Discriminatory ‘Real Name’ PolicyJay Michaelson
October 1, 2014
It's leveraging its user base to make it more the algorithm more intelligent.
The biggest challenge for the Amiigo before its 2015 launch is perfecting the training portion of the algorithm.
“At the most basic level, the algorithm helps people make tough decisions—or any decisions really,” he says.
Historical Examples
Then the CAD people added an algorithm that would take the sensor data and generate random variations on the same basis.
MakersCory Doctorow
algorithm
- a logical arithmetical or computational procedure that if correctly applied ensures the solution of a problemCompare heuristic
- logic maths a recursive procedure whereby an infinite sequence of terms can be generated
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French name: algorism
Word Origin
C17: changed from algorism, through influence of Greek arithmos number
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for algorithm
n.
1690s, from French algorithme, refashioned (under mistaken connection with Greek arithmos "number") from Old French algorisme "the Arabic numeral system" (13c.), from Medieval Latin algorismus, a mangled transliteration of Arabic al-Khwarizmi "native of Khwarazm," surname of the mathematician whose works introduced sophisticated mathematics to the West (see algebra). The earlier form in Middle English was algorism (early 13c.), from Old French.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
algorithm
(ăl′gə-rĭð′əm)- A step-by-step protocol, as for management of health care problems.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
algorithm
[ăl′gə-rĭð′əm]
- A finite set of unambiguous instructions performed in a prescribed sequence to achieve a goal, especially a mathematical rule or procedure used to compute a desired result. Algorithms are the basis for most computer programming.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
algorithm
[(al-guh-rith-uhm)]
A set of instructions for solving a problem, especially on a computer. An algorithm for finding your total grocery bill, for example, would direct you to add up the costs of individual items to find the total.
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The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.