algorithm
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.
About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.al·go·rithm
noun \ˈal-gə-ˌri-thəm\Definition of ALGORITHM
: a procedure for solving a mathematical problem (as of finding the greatest common divisor) in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation; broadly : a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end especially by a computer
— al·go·rith·mic \ˌal-gə-ˈrith-mik\ adjective
— al·go·rith·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
See Origin of ALGORITHM
alteration of Middle English algorisme, from Old French & Medieval Latin; Old French, from Medieval Latin algorismus, from Arabic al-khuwārizmi, from al-Khwārizmī fl a.d. 825 Islamic mathematician
First Known Use: 1926
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
algorithm
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Procedure that produces the answer to a question or the solution to a problem in a finite number of steps. An algorithm that produces a yes or no answer is called a decision procedure; one that leads to a solution is a computation procedure. A mathematical formula and the instructions in a computer program are examples of algorithms. Euclid's Elements (c. 300 BC) contained an algorithm for finding the greatest common divisor of two integers. Manipulation of lists (searching for, inserting, and removing items) can be done efficiently by using algorithms.
Learn More About ALGORITHM
Browse
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up algorithm? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
