iteration

[it-uh-rey-shuhn]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of iteration¹

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

Example Sentences

He is also an alumnus of the program’s first iteration, saying it’s “the reason I am a successful musician today, but I also think about how many kids we just took that possibility away from.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

And with each iteration of the AI apps, the use case just keeps getting broader.

Read more on Barron's

The third iteration of the clubhouse, modeled after The Reform Club in London, is built around a prefabricated steel frame imported from the U.K., and reassembled here.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Even the existing products, and the iterations of these existing technologies and products, are seeing revenue acceleration.”

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“Walk into the next iteration of yourself,” she commands.

Read more on Los Angeles Times