algorithm

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Pronunciation

• (RP) enPR ălʹgə-rĭ-thəm, IPA: /ˈælɡəɹɪðəm/, /ˈælɡəɹɪðm̩/
• (GA) enPR ălʹgə-rĭ'thəm, IPA: /ˈælɡəˌɹɪðəm/, /ˈælɡəˌɹɪðm̩/

Noun

algorithm

1. (countable) A collection of ordered steps that solve a mathematical problem. A precise step-by-step plan for a computational procedure that possibly 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 algorithm 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 algorithm is thus a sequence of computational steps that transform the input into the output.

2. (uncountable, obsolete) Calculation with Arabic numerals; algorism.

Related terms

• algorithmic
• algorithmically
• algorithmics
• algorithmization
• algorithmize
• algebra
• algorism

Translations

• French: algorithme
• German: Algorithmus, Rechenverfahren
• Italian: algoritmo
• Portuguese: algoritmo
• Russian: алгори́тм
• Spanish: algoritmo

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