algorithm

«algorithm» in Mova's school dictionary: a list of clear, step-by-step instructions for solving a… — its meaning for a pupil, its sense in the lessons and examples, with 1 sentence of Mova's corpora that use it.

part of speech

noun (an algorithm, algorithms)

meaning for a pupil

1) An algorithm is a list of clear, step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or doing a task. tree →

2) In computing, an algorithm is the set of rules a computer program follows, for example to sort a list or to choose what videos to show you. tree →

sense in the lessons

In computing lessons, pupils write algorithms for everyday tasks (making a sandwich, brushing teeth), then turn them into code; they learn that steps must be exact and in the right order (sequence), with choices (selection) and repeats (repetition). In maths, column addition and long division are algorithms. In online-safety lessons, apps use algorithms to choose what you see, which can keep you watching for a long time. Phrases: «write an algorithm», «sorting algorithm», «search algorithm», «the algorithm» (on social media).

examples

• Write an algorithm for making a cup of tea. tree →
• An algorithm must be precise, or the robot gets confused. tree →
• Long division is an algorithm for dividing big numbers. tree →
• The video app's algorithm suggests new videos. tree →
• We debugged our algorithm because the steps were in the wrong order. tree →
• A sorting algorithm puts numbers in order from smallest to largest. tree →

note

Use «an»: «an algorithm». Spelled with «-rithm» (no y): not «algorythm». Adjective: «algorithmic». Named after the Persian mathematician al-Khwarizmi. An algorithm is the plan; a program is the plan written in a coding language.

In the corpora

• Music apps use recommendation algorithms built from your own listening history and other people's.

Trees and pragmatics

Every meaning and example of «algorithm» parsed by Mova, each sentence with its dependency tree and frames.