Algorithm Definition
ălgə-rĭthəm
algorithms
noun
algorithms
A finite set of unambiguous instructions that, given some set of initial conditions, can be performed in a prescribed sequence to achieve a certain goal and that has a recognizable set of end conditions.
American Heritage
Any systematic method of solving a certain kind of problem.
Webster's New World
The repetitive calculations used in finding the greatest common divisor of two numbers.
Webster's New World
A predetermined set of instructions for solving a specific problem in a limited number of steps.
Webster's New World
A precise step-by-step plan for a computational procedure that possibly begins with an input value and yields an output value in a finite number of steps.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:
- algorithmic program
- algorithmic rule
Other Word Forms of Algorithm
Noun
Singular:
algorithm
Plural:
algorithmsOrigin of Algorithm
-
From French algorithme; from the Old French algorisme (“the Arabic numeral system”), a modification likely due to a mistaken connection with Ancient Greek ἀριθμός (arithmos); from Medieval Latin algorismus, a transliteration of Arabicized form of the name of the Persian mathematician al-Khwārizmī (الخوارزمي (“native of Khwarezm”)).
From Wiktionary
Variant (probably influenced by arithmetic) of algorism
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Related Articles
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to algorithm using the buttons below.