recursion

noun

re·​cur·​sion ri-ˈkər-zhən How to pronounce recursion (audio)
1
2
: the determination of a succession of elements (such as numbers or functions) by operation on one or more preceding elements according to a rule or formula involving a finite number of steps
3
: a computer programming technique involving the use of a procedure, subroutine, function, or algorithm that calls itself one or more times until a specified condition is met at which time the rest of each repetition is processed from the last one called to the first compare iteration

Examples of recursion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web There is no need for memory to grow or shrink in undefined ways, for recursion, or anything like that. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 3 May 2024 This last step launches a kind of recursion: because the supertiles behave just like metatiles, the same grouping process applies to them as well. Craig S. Kaplan, Scientific American, 1 Jan. 2024 What then is too much, when a sleight of the rational names plenty as recursion in thickets, absent blaring data and the insects vanish. Alice Gribbin, The New York Review of Books, 2 Nov. 2023 Then the authors used a method called recursion to build spaces that multiplied these decision points, forcing the algorithm into a morass of bad options and driving up the cost. Yasemin Saplakoglu, Quanta Magazine, 21 Nov. 2023 See all Example Sentences for recursion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'recursion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Late Latin recursiōn-, recursiō "return," from Latin recurrere "to run back, return" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at recur

Note: The form -curs- for expected *-co(r)st- follows the past participle and verbal noun cursus; seen note at course entry 1.

First Known Use

1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of recursion was in 1790

Dictionary Entries Near recursion

Cite this Entry

“Recursion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/recursion. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

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