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# algorithm

noun (an algorithm, algorithms)

«algorithm» in the English dictionary: everyday — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. An algorithm is a list of clear, step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or doing a task. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/#m1)
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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/#m2)

### 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 →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/#x1)
- An algorithm must be precise, or the robot gets confused. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/#x2)
- Long division is an algorithm for dividing big numbers. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/#x3)
- The video app's algorithm suggests new videos. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/#x4)
- We debugged our algorithm because the steps were in the wrong order. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/#x5)
- A sorting algorithm puts numbers in order from smallest to largest. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/#x6)

### 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.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «algorithm» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/A/algorithm/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«algorithm» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/algorithm.html) on Mova free.