algorithm

UK: /ˈælgərɪðəm/ US: /ˈælgəˌrɪðəm/ ,(al′gə riᵺ′əm)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026

al•go•rithm /ˈælgəˌrɪðəm/   n. [countable]

1. Mathematics a set of rules to follow in a fixed order for solving a problem:
   an algorithm to find the greatest common divisor of a group of numbers.
2. Computing a sequence of steps designed for programming a computer to solve a specific problem.

al•go•rith•mic /ˌælgəˈrɪðmɪk/  adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

al•go•rithm  (al′gə riᵺ′əm), n. 

1. Mathematics a set of rules for solving a problem in a finite number of steps, as for finding the greatest common divisor.

• variant of algorism, by association with Greek arithmós number. See arithmetic 1890–95

al′go•rith′mic, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

algorithm / ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/ noun

1. a logical arithmetical or computational procedure that if correctly applied ensures the solution of a problem
   Compare heuristic
2. a recursive procedure whereby an infinite sequence of terms can be generated

Also: algorism Etymology: 17th Century: changed from algorism, through influence of Greek arithmos number

ˌalgoˈrithmic adjective