English Reference
noun

iteration

n.
US /ˌɪtɝˈeɪʃən/ UK /ˌɪtəɹˈeɪʃən/ it·er·a·tion UK spelling iterations

  1. 01 C1 Advanced Academic

    a new or different version of a design, product, or idea.

    a distinct version or variation of a design, product, or concept, typically resulting from a process of refinement.

    Simple

    The latest iteration of the smartphone has a much better camera than the last one.

    In context

    The design team went through several iterations of the logo before finding one that truly captured the brand's identity.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced AcademicTechnical

    the act of repeating a process or a set of instructions.

    the act of repeating a process, often with the aim of approaching a desired goal or result.

    Simple

    Success in science often requires the iteration of experiments to ensure the results are correct.

    In context

    The mathematical model relies on the constant iteration of the formula to predict long-term climate patterns accurately.

  3. 03 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    one single time that a set of instructions is run in a computer program.

    a single execution of a set of instructions within a computer program loop.

    Simple

    The program crashed during the third iteration of the loop because of a memory error.

    In context

    The algorithm processes one data packet per iteration, ensuring that system resources are not overwhelmed during the transfer.

As the U.S., Canada and Mexico negotiate the next iteration of a free trade pact or pacts, agriculture is one of the negotiating topics.

The Conversation· 29 Jul 2026

The Python script chooses random compression and resizing values within set ranges to apply to the test image, then uses the output image as the basis for the next iteration.

Ars Technica· 29 Jul 2026

From Latin iterātiō, from iterō. Morphologically iterate + -ion.

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

This entry
Origin Latin iterātiō
Level C1 · Advanced
Frequency Frequent
Updated