Algol

1 of 2

noun (1)

Al·​gol ˈal-ˌgäl How to pronounce Algol (audio)
-ˌgȯl
: a binary star in the constellation Perseus whose larger member orbits and eclipses the smaller, brighter star causing periodic variation in brightness

ALGOL

2 of 2

noun (2)

AL·​GOL ˈal-ˌgäl How to pronounce ALGOL (audio)
-ˌgȯl
variants or Algol
: an algebraic computer programming language used especially in mathematical and scientific applications

Examples of Algol in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Noun
The pioneering computer scientist Tony Hoare introduced null references in the ALGOL language back in 1965, and it was later incorporated into numerous other languages. IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Arabic al-ghūl, literally, the ghoul

Noun (2)

algorithmic language

First Known Use

Noun (1)

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1959, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Algol was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near Algol

Cite this Entry

“Algol.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Algol. Accessed 5 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

ALGOL

noun
AL·​GOL
variants or Algol
ˈal-ˌgäl How to pronounce ALGOL (audio)
-ˌgȯl
: a computer programming language that is used especially in mathematics and science
Etymology

Noun

from algorithm and language

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