algorithm

noun

(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.

(usually preceded by definite article "the") software that makes content display determinations on a platform, in totality of effect upon all end users (within a potential audience).

(social media, metonymic) recommender systems and the curation of feeds

(informal, by extension of above) the influenced zeitgeist: e.g. what content ends up trending or viral, what persons become a main character or cancelled

(informal, usually preceded by a possessive determiner) the actual personalized selections of content seen by specific user(s), the microtargeting to which they are subject

(loosely) A flowchart illustrating a decision-making process for human users, especially health care professionals.

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

Roots

alkhwarizmialgorithm- · Arabic · from al-Khwarizmi

Synonyms for algorithm

algorismn

Synonyms & related words for algorithm

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Words related to algorithm

Explore words related to algorithm — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include algorithmic, algorithmically, heuristic, recursive, heuristically, classifier, recursively, optimizer. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for algorithm

Common synonyms for algorithm include algorism — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does algorithm come from?

The word algorithm breaks down into one root of Arabic origin: the root algorithm-, from Arabic alkhwarizmi (“from al-Khwarizmi”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.