First Known Use: 1926
Dictionary
algorithm
noun al·go·rithm \ˈal-gə-ˌri-thəm\
: a set of steps that are followed in order to solve a mathematical problem or to complete a computer process
Full Definition of ALGORITHM
: a procedure for solving a mathematical problem (as of finding the greatest common divisor) in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation; broadly : a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end especially by a computer
— al·go·rith·mic \ˌal-gə-ˈrith-mik\ adjective
— al·go·rith·mi·cal·ly \-mi-k(ə-)lē\ adverb
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Origin of ALGORITHM
alteration of Middle English algorisme, from Old French & Medieval Latin; Old French, from Medieval Latin algorismus, from Arabic al-khuwārizmi, from al-Khwārizmī fl a.d. 825 Islamic mathematician
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