recursive
[ ri-kur-siv ]
/ rɪˈkɜr sɪv /
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adjective
pertaining to or using a rule or procedure that can be applied repeatedly.
Mathematics, Computers. pertaining to or using the mathematical process of recursion: a recursive function; a recursive procedure.
QUIZ
SHALL WE PLAY A "SHALL" VS. "SHOULD" CHALLENGE?
Should you take this quiz on “shall” versus “should”? It should prove to be a quick challenge!
Question 1 of 6
Which form is commonly used with other verbs to express intention?
Origin of recursive
First recorded in 1935–40; recurs(ion) + -ive
OTHER WORDS FROM recursive
re·cur·sive·ly, adverbre·cur·sive·ness, nounDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use recursive in a sentence
It may have been difficult to see from Dean’s or Michael’s drawings, but there was a recursive nature to the diagram of states.