Meaning & use
algorithm
A precise set of step-by-step instructions used to solve a problem or complete a task, especially by a computer.
See it in a sentence
The search engine uses a complex algorithm to rank websites by relevance.
Students learned a simple algorithm for long division in math class.
A note on using this word
Algorithm applies to any well-defined procedure, not only computer programs; a recipe or a set of driving directions can also count as one.
Words with a similar meaning
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