View synonyms for heuristic

heuristic

[ hyoo-ris-tikor, often, yoo- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

serving to indicate or point out; stimulating interest as a means of furthering investigation.
encouraging a person to learn, discover, understand, or solve problems independently, as by experimenting, evaluating possible answers or solutions, or by trial and error:
The course uses a heuristic teaching method to allow students to find answers without being directly taught.
of, relating to, or based on experimentation, evaluation, or trial-and-error methods.
Computers, Mathematics. pertaining to a trial-and-error method of problem solving used when an algorithmic approach is impractical.

heuristic

/ hjʊəˈrɪstɪk /

helping to learn; guiding in discovery or investigation
(of a method of teaching) allowing pupils to learn things for themselves
1. maths science philosophy using or obtained by exploration of possibilities rather than by following set rules
2. computing denoting a rule of thumb for solving a problem without the exhaustive application of an algorithm
  a heuristic solution

First recorded in 1815–25; from New Latin heuristicus, equivalent to Greek heur(ískein) “to find out, discover” + Latin -isticus -istic

C19: from New Latin heuristicus, from Greek heuriskein to discover

The hill becomes heuristic for national identity (a haunted City on a Hill).

He developed a heuristic for betting on Daily Doubles (which resulted in a wager of $5, the minimum allowed).

In all other cases, as we have already pointed out, assumption and probability have only a heuristic value for us lawyers.

The instruments of Heuristic are being continually perfected, before our eyes, in two ways.

But the imperfection of the modern instruments of Heuristic is quite unnecessary.

It complemented the heuristic, innate propensity for seeking new choices.

The teaching, which follows the so-called “Heuristic” method, and the equipment of schools of every description, are admirable.

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