algorithm
/ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/
noun
Origin
Classical Arabic
al-Khwārizmī — The native of Khwarizm (referring to the mathematician Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī)
Overview
Meaning Now
- A process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer.
Language path
Classical Arabic → Medieval Latin → English
Earliest form
algorismus
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term is a eponym derived from the Latinized name of the 9th-century Persian scholar Muhammad ibn Musa al-Khwarizmi. His works introduced Hindu-Arabic numerals to the Western world, and the term initially referred specifically to the decimal number system before evolving to describe general computational procedures.
Evolution
- 9th century
al-Khwārizmī
“Proper name of the Persian mathematician”
Reference to the author of 'Kitāb al-jabr wa-l-muqābala'.
- 12th century
algorismus
“Decimal number system”
Latinized transliteration of the mathematician's name.
- 17th century
algorisme
“Arithmetic / computing process”
Influenced by Greek 'arithmos' (number).
Connections
Word parts
al-Khwārizmī
root
Name of the mathematician
Related across languages
French
algorithme
algorithm
German
Algorithmus
algorithm
Explore next
Related to algorithm
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.