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algorithm

n.
US //ˈæɫɡɝˌɪðəm// UK //ˈælɡəɹˌɪθəm// al·go·rithm
  1. 1 computing/math (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a set of step-by-step instructions that a computer follows to complete a task.

    a precise, finite sequence of instructions or rules designed to perform a specific task or solve a mathematical problem.

    Example

    The search engine uses a complex algorithm to find the most relevant websites for you.

    Example

    The encryption algorithm ensures that sensitive data remains secure by converting plain text into a complex code that is nearly impossible to crack without the key.

    Usage

    Often used with verbs like 'develop', 'implement', or 'run'.
  2. 2 social media/feeds (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Computing

    the system used by social media apps to decide which posts or videos you see first.

    the automated curation and recommendation systems employed by digital platforms to personalise user experience and maximise engagement.

    Example

    I keep seeing cat videos because the algorithm knows I like them.

    Example

    Content creators often struggle to adapt their strategies whenever the platform's algorithm changes its criteria for promoting viral videos.

    Teacher's tip

    In casual conversation, people often personify 'the algorithm' as if it has its own intentions or personality.
  3. 3 decision-making guide (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Formal Medicine

    a chart or list of steps that helps people, like doctors, make a decision.

    a systematic procedure or flowchart used to guide human decision-making, particularly in clinical or diagnostic contexts.

    Example

    The hospital followed a strict algorithm to decide which patients needed immediate surgery.

    Example

    The diagnostic algorithm provides a step-by-step framework for clinicians to identify rare autoimmune disorders based on specific patient symptoms.
Origin

Etymology tree Arabic ال (al-) Old Persian 𐎢𐎺𐎠𐎼𐏀𐎷𐎡𐏁 (u-v-a-r-z-mi-i-š) Classical Persian خْوَارَزْم (xwārazm)bor. Arabic خَوَارِزْم (ḵawārizm) Arabic ـِيّ (-iyy) Arabic خَوَارِزْمِيّ (ḵawārizmiyy) Arabic الخَوَارِزْمِيّ (al-ḵawārizmiyy)bor. Medieval Latin algorismusbor. Anglo-Norman algorismebor. Middle English algorisme English algorism ▲ English arithmo-influ. English algorithm From Middle English algorisme, augrym, from Anglo-Norman algorisme, augrim, from Medieval Latin algorismus, from Arabic الخَوَارِزْمِيّ (al-ḵawārizmiyy), the nisba of Persian mathematician Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī and a toponymic name meaning "person from Chorasmia". The spelling change (-s- > -th-) was influenced by unrelated Ancient Greek ἀριθμός (arithmós) (whence English arithmo-).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 19, 2026