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algorithms

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al⋅go⋅rithm

  [al-guh-rith-uhm]
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–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

Related forms:
al⋅go⋅rith⋅mic, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

algorithm [(al-guh-rith-uhm)]

A set of instructions for solving a problem, especially on a computer. An algorithm for finding your total grocery bill, for example, would direct you to add up the costs of individual items to find the total.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

algorithm 
1699, from Fr. algorithme refashioned (under mistaken connection with Gk. arithmos "number") from O.Fr. algorisme "the Arabic numeral system," from M.L. algorismus, a mangled transliteration of Arabic al-Khwarizmi "native of Khwarazm," surname of the mathematician whose works introduced sophisticated mathematics to the West (see algebra). The earlier form in M.E. was algorism (c.1230), from O.Fr. Modern use of algorithmic to describe symbolic rules or language is from 1881.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

algorithm al·go·rithm (āl'gə-rĭ&phonth;'əm)
n.
A step-by-step protocol, as for management of health care problems.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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