ALGORITHM

algorithm, algorithmic rule, algorithmic program

(noun) a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

algorithm (countable and uncountable, plural algorithms)

(countable) A collection of ordered steps that solve a mathematical problem. 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.

(uncountable, obsolete) Calculation with Arabic numerals; algorism.

Hyponyms

• approximation algorithm

• checksum algorithm

• classification algorithm

• compression algorithm

• computer arithmetic algorithm

• distributed algorithm

• divide and conquer algorithm

• genetic algorithm

• greedy algorithm

• parallel algorithm

• randomized algorithm

• semi-algorithm

• sequential algorithm

Anagrams

• logarithm, mithralog

Source: Wiktionary

Al"go*rism, Al"go*rithm, n. Etym: [OE. algorism, algrim, augrim, OF. algorisme, F. algorithme (cf. Sp. algoritmo, OSp. alguarismo, LL. algorismus), fr. the Ar. al-Khowarezmi of Khowarezm, the modern Khiwa, surname of Abu Ja'far Mohammed ben Musa, author of a work on arithmetic early in the 9th century, which was translated into Latin, such books bearing the name algorismus. The spelling with th is due to a supposed connection with Gr.

1. The art of calculating by nine figures and zero.

2. The art of calculating with any species of notation; as, the algorithms of fractions, proportions, surds, etc.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition