algorithm
[ al-guh-rith-uhm ]
/ ˈæl gəˌrɪð əm /
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noun
Mathematics. a set of rules for solving a problem in a finite number of steps, such as the Euclidean algorithm for finding the greatest common divisor.
Computers. an ordered set of instructions recursively applied to transform data input into processed data output, such as a mathematical solution, search engine result, descriptive statistics, or predictive text suggestions.
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Origin of algorithm
First recorded in 1690–1700; variant of algorism, by association with Greek arithmós “number”; see arithmetic
OTHER WORDS FROM algorithm
al·go·rith·mic [al-guh-rith-mik], /ˌæl gəˈrɪð mɪk/, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use algorithm in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for algorithm
algorithm
/ (ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm) /
noun
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
French name: algorism
Derived forms of algorithm
algorithmic, adjectivealgorithmically, adverbWord Origin for algorithm
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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Scientific definitions for algorithm
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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for algorithm
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.
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.