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algorithms - 3 dictionary results

al⋅go⋅rithm

[al-guh-rith-uhm]
–noun
a set of rules for solving a problem in a finite number of steps, as for finding the greatest common divisor.

Origin:
1890–95; var. of algorism, by assoc. with Gk arithmós number. See arithmetic


al⋅go⋅rith⋅mic, adjective
al·go·rithm   (āl'gə-rĭth'əm)   
n.  A step-by-step problem-solving procedure, especially an established, recursive computational procedure for solving a problem in a finite number of steps.

[Variant (probably influenced by arithmetic) of algorism.]
al'go·rith'mic (-rĭth'mĭk) adj., al'go·rith'mi·cal·ly adv.
algorithm   (āl'gə-rĭ'əm)  Pronunciation Key 
A finite set of unambiguous instructions performed in a prescribed sequence to achieve a goal, especially a mathematical rule or procedure used to compute a desired result. Algorithms are the basis for most computer programming.
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