Definition of algorithm

Definitions

algorithm

noun

A precise step-by-step plan for a computational procedure that begins with an input value and yields an output value in a finite number of steps.

1990: Cormen, Leiserson, and Rivest, Introduction to Algorithms: page 1. Cambridge, MA, The MIT Press, 1999 (23rd printing) - Informally, an is any well-defined computational procedure that takes some value, or set of values, as input and produces some value, or set of values, as output. An is thus a sequence of computational steps that transform the input into the output.

Translations:

Dutch: algoritme_(nl)n
French: algorithme^(fr)m
German: Algorithmus^(de)m
Italian: algoritmo_(it)
Spanish: algoritmo_(es)m

Etymology: From algorithme; from the algorisme ("the Arabic numeral system"), a modification likely due to a mistaken connection with Greek á (number); from Medieval Latin algorismus, a mangled transliteration of the name of the Islamic mathematician w:Muhammad ibn MÅsÄ al-KhwÄrizmÄ, al-KhwÄrizmÄ (Arabic: (ARchar, ÙÙÙÙ), "native of Khwarezm.")

Supplemental Details:Sponsor an extended definition for algorithm for as little as $10 per month. Click here to contact us.

Browse the Dictionary
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z


Dictionary content provided from Wiktionary.org under the GNU Free Documentation License Allwords Copyright 1998-2013 All rights reserved.

Share this page:

More To Explore

Contact & About