algorithm

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: al=go=rithm

CIDE DICTIONARY

algorithm, n. [OE. algorism, algrim, augrim, OF. algorisme, F. algorithme (cf. Sp. algoritmo, OSp. alguarismo, LL. algorismus), fr. the Ar. al-Khowārezmī of Khowārezm, the modern Khiwa, surname of Abu Ja'far Mohammed ben Musā, author of a work on arithmetic early in the 9th century, which was translated into Latin, such books bearing the name algorismus. The spelling with th is due to a supposed connection with Gr. number.].

•  The art of calculating by nine figures and zero; computation with Arabic figures.  [1913 Webster]
•  the Arabic system of numeration.  [WordNet 1.5]
•  The art of calculating with any species of notation; as, the algorithms of fractions, proportions, surds, etc.  [1913 Webster]

algorithm, n. 

 a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem; a set of procedures guaranteed to find the solution to a problem.  [WordNet 1.5]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

algorithm, n. (also algorism)
1 Math. a process or set of rules used for calculation or problem-solving, esp. with a computer.
2 the Arabic or decimal notation of numbers.

Derivative

algorithmic adj.

Etymology

algorism ME ult. f. Pers. al-Kuwarizmi 9th-c. mathematician: algorithm infl. by Gk arithmos number (cf. F algorithme)

THESAURUS

algorithm

Arabic numerals, MO, Roman numerals, algorism, applied mathematics, approach, attack, binary system, course, decimal system, duodecimal system, fashion, figures, form, guise, hexadecimal system, higher mathematics, line, line of action, lines, manner, manner of working, math, mathematic, mathematics, means, method, methodology, mode, mode of operation, mode of procedure, modus operandi, numbers, octal system, order, practice, procedure, proceeding, process, pure mathematics, routine, style, system, tack, technique, the drill, the how, the way of, tone, way, wise

ROGET THESAURUS

algorithm

Numeration

N numeration, numbering, pagination, tale, recension, enumeration, summation, reckoning, computation, supputation, calculation, calculus, algorithm, algorism, rhabdology, dactylonomy, measurement, statistics, arithmetic, analysis, algebra, geometry, analytical geometry, fluxions, differential calculus, integral calculus, infinitesimal calculus, calculus of differences, dead reckoning, muster, poll, census, capitation, roll call, recapitulation, account, notation, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, rule of three, practice, equations, extraction of roots, reduction, involution, evolution, estimation, approximation, interpolation, differentiation, integration, abacus, logometer, slide rule, slipstick, tallies, Napier's bones, calculating machine, difference engine, suan- pan, adding machine, cash register, electronic calculator, calculator, computer, arithmetician, calculator, abacist, algebraist, mathematician, statistician, geometer, programmer, accountant, auditor, numeral, numerical, arithmetical, analytic, algebraic, statistical, numerable, computable, calculable, commensurable, commensurate, incommensurable, incommensurate, innumerable, unfathomable, infinite, quantitatively, arithmetically, measurably, in numbers.