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Algorithm

AL-guh-rith-um /ˈælɡərɪðəm/

nounB2GRESAT

formaltechnical

A set of well-defined, step-by-step instructions or rules designed to solve a problem or perform a computation.

Algorithms are the logical blueprints for tasks, often independent of any specific programming language. They must be finite, unambiguous, and effective.

The story behind the word. The word 'algorithm' comes from the name of the 9th-century Persian mathematician Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi. His treatise on Hindu-Arabic numerals introduced the decimal positional number system and methods for calculating with it to the Western world. When his work was translated into Latin, his name, 'al-Khwarizmi,' became associated with the systematic procedures for calculation, eventually evolving into 'algorism' and then 'algorithm.'

Word relationships

procedure: More general, can refer to any sequence of actions, not necessarily computational.
method: A way of doing something, often less formal or structured than an algorithm.
protocol: A set of rules governing the exchange of data, often implying communication.

Commonly confused with

Heuristic: An algorithm guarantees a solution if one exists; a heuristic is a 'rule of thumb' that aims for a good solution but doesn't guarantee optimality or even a solution.

Word family

algorithmic (adjective): Relating to or characteristic of an algorithm.
algorithmically (adverb): In an algorithmic manner.

Collocations

complex algorithm
efficient algorithm
sorting algorithm
encryption algorithm
design an algorithm

Example sentences

"Google's search engine uses a complex algorithm to rank web pages based on relevance and authority." Describing how search engines work.
"Euclid's algorithm is an efficient method for computing the greatest common divisor of two integers." Explaining a mathematical process.
"The machine learning algorithm was trained on millions of images to accurately identify cats and dogs." Discussing machine learning.

Memory hook

Imagine an 'AL GORILLA' (algorithm) following a step-by-step recipe to make a banana smoothie. Al Gorilla's Steps

When not to use

Avoid using 'algorithm' when referring to a simple, single instruction or a general idea without a clear, sequential process.

Fun facts

The earliest known algorithm is often attributed to Euclid, for finding the greatest common divisor of two numbers, dating back to around 300 BC.
The concept of algorithms predates computers by centuries, existing in mathematical procedures and recipes.