algorithm
A step-by-step procedure or formula for solving a problem
Examples
In a meeting
“Our algorithm prioritizes tickets based on urgency and customer tier.”
Over coffee
“The algorithm on this app keeps showing me cat videos.”
Why this word
process
Algorithm specifies a step-by-step mathematical or computational procedure, while process is any general sequence of actions
method
Algorithm implies a finite, precisely defined procedure with clear rules, while method is vaguer about systematic rigor
formula
Algorithm describes a procedure for solving problems, while formula is typically a fixed mathematical expression or recipe
Usage tip
No longer purely technical—widely understood in everyday contexts thanks to social media. Use to describe any systematic decision-making process.
Etymology
Medieval Latin — 'algorismus' from Arabic 'al-Khwarizmi' (the name of a 9th-century Persian mathematician)
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Related words
streamline
To make a process or system more efficient by simplifying or eliminating unnecessary steps.
facilitate
To make a process or action easier or help it happen.
initiate
To cause a process or action to begin.
preliminary
Coming before and preparing for the main part or event; initial.
replicate
Make an exact copy or repeat a process identically
standardize
Make things uniform or consistent across the board