| Algorithm | { } n. [ OE. algorism, algrim, augrim, OF. algorisme, F. algorithme (cf. Sp. algoritmo, OSp. alguarismo, LL. algorismus), fr. the Ar. al-Khowārezmī of Khowārezm, the modern Khiwa, surname of Abu Ja'far Mohammed ben Musā, author of a work on arithmetic early in the 9th century, which was translated into Latin, such books bearing the name algorismus. The spelling with th is due to a supposed connection with Gr. &unr_; number. ] 1. The art of calculating by nine figures and zero; computation with Arabic figures. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. the Arabic system of numeration.
Syn. -- decimal system [ WordNet 1.5 ] 3. The art of calculating with any species of notation; as, the algorithms of fractions, proportions, surds, etc. [ 1913 Webster ] Variants: Algorism |