algorithm

AL-gə-rith-əm

noun · English

An ordered, precisely specified procedure for solving a problem or carrying out a computation. An algorithm describes the steps to follow; it is not limited to a particular computer program or programming language.

1 / 6 · Historical form

الخَوَارِزْمِيّal-khawārizmī

proper noun · Arabic

The mathematician’s identifying name. Al-Khwārizmī: a name identifying someone with Khwarazm. Here it identifies the Persian mathematician Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī, whose name entered the vocabulary of calculation.

Period: Personal-name witness not dated
Region: Arabic–Medieval Latin–Anglo-Norman–English scholarly corridor
Script: Arabic

Journey of meaning

6 forms

Separate contributor

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The algorithm journey, in text

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الخَوَارِزْمِيّ · Arabic
proper noun · Arabic
Reading: al-khawārizmī
The mathematician’s identifying name. Al-Khwārizmī: a name identifying someone with Khwarazm. Here it identifies the Persian mathematician Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī, whose name entered the vocabulary of calculation.
Personal-name witness not dated — The inspected Arabic dictionary and biographical chronology establish al-Khwārizmī’s name and lifetime but do not supply a dated manuscript witness for the displayed Arabic form.
Arabic–Medieval Latin–Anglo-Norman–English scholarly corridor — Supported language, speech, community or contact-corridor region; not a precise lexical birthplace.
الخَوَارِزْمِيّ (al-Khwārizmī), Arabic: The mathematician’s identifying name. The source traces the word to Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī. English > Etymology, prose account
al-Khwārizmī → algorismus: borrowing. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account
الخَوَارِزْمِيّ is a name meaning from Chorasmia (Khwarazm). Arabic > Proper noun
الخَوَارِزْمِيّ: c. 780–850 — historical context. Quick Info > Born and Died
الخَوَارِزْمِيّ is classified as proper noun for this Arabic stage. Arabic > Proper noun
algorithm: inspected lexical sources support the displayed forms and conventional readings, with reconstructions kept visibly reconstructed where relevant. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the displayed map point represents a supported language, speech, community or contact region at the strongest defensible precision. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the batch keeps lexical chronology, contextual history, semantic development and competing routes distinct. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: lexical dates are retained only where the inspected record dates a word, sense or documented use; conflicting witnesses remain recorded as conflicts. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorismus · Medieval Latin
noun · Medieval Latin
Reading: al-go-RIS-mus
The form derived from the name. A Latin term derived from al-Khwārizmī’s name, associated with calculation using Hindu-Arabic numerals. The modern general notion of an algorithm is a later development.
First algorismus witness unresolved — The inspected Latin entry and university history establish derivation and a c. 1200 teaching context, but not the first dated occurrence of the exact form algorismus.
Arabic–Medieval Latin–Anglo-Norman–English scholarly corridor — Supported language, speech, community or contact-corridor region; not a precise lexical birthplace.
algorismus (algorismus), Medieval Latin: The form derived from the name. This is a recorded stage in the name’s lexical history. English > Etymology, prose account
al-Khwārizmī → algorismus: borrowing. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account
algorismus → algorisme: borrowing. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account
Latin algorismus is derived from the mathematician’s Arabic name. Latin > Etymology; Noun
The word’s scope develops from arithmetic or numerals to a systematic method. ALGORITHM > original meaning; Raphson 1715 paragraph
algorismus: c. 1200 — historical context. Einführung > Zur Geschichte, paragraph on Algorismus de integris and Algorismus de minutiis
algorismus is classified as noun for this Medieval Latin stage. Latin > Etymology; Noun
algorithm: inspected lexical sources support the displayed forms and conventional readings, with reconstructions kept visibly reconstructed where relevant. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the displayed map point represents a supported language, speech, community or contact region at the strongest defensible precision. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the batch keeps lexical chronology, contextual history, semantic development and competing routes distinct. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: lexical dates are retained only where the inspected record dates a word, sense or documented use; conflicting witnesses remain recorded as conflicts. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorisme · Anglo-Norman
noun · Anglo-Norman
Reading: al-go-RIS-me
The form in the borrowing chain. Numerical reckoning in the Anglo-Norman algorism family. Its textual range includes variant spellings such as augrim; it is not a first attestation of the exact displayed algorisme spelling. The historical reading remains unverified.
Exact Anglo-Norman spelling undated — The Anglo-Norman Dictionary documents the lexical family from a 1256 work and later manuscripts, but its earliest witness is augrim rather than the displayed algorisme spelling.
Arabic–Medieval Latin–Anglo-Norman–English scholarly corridor — Supported language, speech, community or contact-corridor region; not a precise lexical birthplace.
algorisme (algorisme), Anglo-Norman: The form in the borrowing chain. The source distinguishes this from the later English spelling. English > Etymology, prose account
algorismus → algorisme: borrowing. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account
algorisme → algorisme: borrowing. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account
algorisme: c. 1250–1400 — textual period. algorism > sense 1 and dated citations; revision 22 March 2007
algorisme is classified as noun for this Anglo-Norman stage. algorism > s. > sense 1
algorithm: inspected lexical sources support the displayed forms and conventional readings, with reconstructions kept visibly reconstructed where relevant. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the displayed map point represents a supported language, speech, community or contact region at the strongest defensible precision. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the batch keeps lexical chronology, contextual history, semantic development and competing routes distinct. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: lexical dates are retained only where the inspected record dates a word, sense or documented use; conflicting witnesses remain recorded as conflicts. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorisme · Middle English
noun · Middle English
Reading: AL-go-risme
The earlier English form. Calculation or reckoning with Arabic numerals. The dictionary supplies a dated algorisme example in 1340, alongside other spellings and uses involving reckoning counters.
1340 · cited use — Dates the displayed spelling in this citation. Earlier augrim examples elsewhere in the entry are not silently assigned to algorisme.
English lexical reference region (not origin) — Reference region for the English lexical stage; not a birthplace or borrowing point.
algorisme (algorisme), Middle English: The earlier English form. The familiar spelling has not yet appeared at this stage. English > Etymology, prose account; English noun/verb definitions for the displayed sense
algorisme → algorisme: borrowing. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account
algorisme → algorithm: derivation. Alteration of the earlier form. English > Etymology, prose account
algorisme: 1340 · cited use. Entry Info; sense 1(a); (1340) Ayenb. (Arun 57), 1
Middle English algorisme denotes reckoning with Arabic numerals. Sense 1(a)
algorisme is classified as noun for this Middle English stage. Entry Info; sense 1(a); (1340) Ayenb. (Arun 57), 1
algorithm: inspected lexical sources support the displayed forms and conventional readings, with reconstructions kept visibly reconstructed where relevant. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the displayed map point represents a supported language, speech, community or contact region at the strongest defensible precision. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the batch keeps lexical chronology, contextual history, semantic development and competing routes distinct. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: lexical dates are retained only where the inspected record dates a word, sense or documented use; conflicting witnesses remain recorded as conflicts. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm · English
noun · English
Reading: AL-gə-rith-əm
A procedure for solving a problem. A specified procedure for solving a problem. The earlier reckoning term acquired wider uses, and Greek arithmós influenced its spelling. The recorded 1715 mathematical example predates the separate 1811 dictionary date.
By 1715 — A procedure-related English example reported by MacTutor in 1715. Merriam-Webster’s 1811 date remains a separate dictionary account; this is not an absolute first-use claim.
English lexical reference region (not origin) — Reference region for the English lexical stage; not a birthplace or borrowing point.
algorithm (algorithm), English: A procedure for solving a problem. The spelling also reflects an influence from unrelated Greek arithmós. English > Etymology, prose account; English noun/verb definitions for the displayed sense
algorisme → algorithm: derivation. Alteration of the earlier form. English > Etymology, prose account
arithmós → algorithm: influence. Wiktionary identifies unrelated Greek arithmós as the influence on -th-. English > Etymology, prose account
Algorithm names a procedure for solving a problem. Definition; Word History > Etymology
English algorithm: 1811. First known use reported by the source, not the origin of the word. Word History > First Known Use; the specified part of speech / sense
An ordered, precisely specified procedure for solving a problem or carrying out a computation. An algorithm describes the steps to follow; it is not limited to a particular computer program or programming language. English > Noun
algorithm: By 1715. ALGORITHM > original meaning; Raphson 1715 paragraph
algorithm is classified as noun for this English stage. English > Noun
Algorithm now denotes a specified procedure and also a computerised selection or ranking system, including a platform’s personalised content curation. Noun > senses 1–2; Did you know?
algorithm: inspected lexical sources support the displayed forms and conventional readings, with reconstructions kept visibly reconstructed where relevant. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the displayed map point represents a supported language, speech, community or contact region at the strongest defensible precision. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the batch keeps lexical chronology, contextual history, semantic development and competing routes distinct. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: lexical dates are retained only where the inspected record dates a word, sense or documented use; conflicting witnesses remain recorded as conflicts. English > Etymology, opening chain
ἀριθμός · Ancient Greek
noun · Ancient Greek
Reading: a-ri-thmos
The Greek form influencing the spelling. Number, quantity, or counting. Its role here is influence on the spelling of algorithm; it is not an ancestor from which the whole English word was borrowed.
Greek manuscript date unresolved — LSJ supplies an Odyssey reference and scholarship supplies a broad date for the received epic, but that is not a dated manuscript witness for ἀριθμός or for its much later spelling influence.
Arabic–Medieval Latin–Anglo-Norman–English scholarly corridor — Supported language, speech, community or contact-corridor region; not a precise lexical birthplace.
ἀριθμός (arithmós), Ancient Greek: The Greek form influencing the spelling. An influence on spelling is not a claim of shared ancestry. English > Etymology, prose account
arithmós → algorithm: influence. Wiktionary identifies unrelated Greek arithmós as the influence on -th-. English > Etymology, prose account
Ancient Greek ἀριθμός denotes number, quantity or counting. Ancient Greek > Noun
The Greek number word occurs in the received Odyssey text. LSJ > ἀριθμός > sense I, opening citation
ἀριθμός: By c. 650 BCE — inferred bound. Chapter 1, section 2, The date of the Odyssey, p. 6
ἀριθμός is classified as noun for this Ancient Greek stage. Ancient Greek > Noun
algorithm: inspected lexical sources support the displayed forms and conventional readings, with reconstructions kept visibly reconstructed where relevant. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the displayed map point represents a supported language, speech, community or contact region at the strongest defensible precision. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: the batch keeps lexical chronology, contextual history, semantic development and competing routes distinct. English > Etymology, opening chain
algorithm: lexical dates are retained only where the inspected record dates a word, sense or documented use; conflicting witnesses remain recorded as conflicts. English > Etymology, opening chain

Relationships

al-Khwārizmī → algorismus: borrowing, documented. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account

algorismus → algorisme: borrowing, documented. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account

algorisme → algorisme: borrowing, documented. The source identifies this connection. English > Etymology, prose account

algorisme → algorithm: derivation, documented. Alteration of the earlier form. English > Etymology, prose account

arithmós → algorithm: influence, documented. Wiktionary identifies unrelated Greek arithmós as the influence on -th-. English > Etymology, prose account

Inspect the evidence 46 claims

Open a claim to follow the source and our interpretation.

01الخَوَارِزْمِيّ (al-Khwārizmī), Arabic: The mathematician’s identifying name. The source traces the word to Muḥammad ibn Mūsā al-Khwārizmī.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
The excerpt shows the source’s form or etymological account. The concise meaning and explanation are Lexography’s reading of the entry.
What Lexography infers
We show al-Khwārizmī as a Arabic stage for algorithm. Time context is recorded in the separate period evidence; this lexical excerpt alone does not supply a first-use date.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
02Regional orientation uses Glottolog’s reference point stan1318.
Source
Glottolog 5.3 — language reference coordinatesHammarström, Forkel, Haspelmath & Bank; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLanguageTable row stan1318; Latitude, Longitude (rounded where needed).
Source passage
Reference record
stan1318 · Standard Arabic · Latitude 27.9625 · Longitude 43.8525
LanguageTable row stan1318; Name, Latitude, Longitude
Qualification Reference only
This is a language reference coordinate. It is not evidence of where this word originated, was borrowed or travelled.
What Lexography infers
We use this point to orient al-Khwārizmī on the map, with an approximate region label. It adds no historical route or border claim.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 072ca0d0410039fb8b779be8fc165bac575d2cda. CC BY 4.0; selected coordinates, rounded for regional orientation
03algorismus (algorismus), Medieval Latin: The form derived from the name. This is a recorded stage in the name’s lexical history.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
The excerpt shows the source’s form or etymological account. The concise meaning and explanation are Lexography’s reading of the entry.
What Lexography infers
We show algorismus as a Medieval Latin stage for algorithm. Time context is recorded in the separate period evidence; this lexical excerpt alone does not supply a first-use date.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
04Regional orientation uses Glottolog’s reference point medi1250.
Source
Glottolog 5.3 — language reference coordinatesHammarström, Forkel, Haspelmath & Bank; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLanguageTable row medi1250; Latitude, Longitude (rounded where needed).
Source passage
Reference record
medi1250 · Medieval Latin · Latitude 41.9026 · Longitude 12.4502
LanguageTable row medi1250; Name, Latitude, Longitude
Qualification Reference only
This is a language reference coordinate. It is not evidence of where this word originated, was borrowed or travelled.
What Lexography infers
We use this point to orient algorismus on the map, with an approximate region label. It adds no historical route or border claim.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 072ca0d0410039fb8b779be8fc165bac575d2cda. CC BY 4.0; selected coordinates, rounded for regional orientation
05algorisme (algorisme), Anglo-Norman: The form in the borrowing chain. The source distinguishes this from the later English spelling.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
The excerpt shows the source’s form or etymological account. The concise meaning and explanation are Lexography’s reading of the entry.
What Lexography infers
We show algorisme as a Anglo-Norman stage for algorithm. Time context is recorded in the separate period evidence; this lexical excerpt alone does not supply a first-use date.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
06Regional orientation uses Glottolog’s reference point angl1258.
Source
Glottolog 5.3 — language reference coordinatesHammarström, Forkel, Haspelmath & Bank; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLanguageTable row angl1258; Latitude, Longitude (rounded where needed).
Source passage
Reference record
angl1258 · Anglo-Norman · Latitude 48.0 · Longitude 2.0
LanguageTable row angl1258; Name, Latitude, Longitude
Qualification Reference only
This is a language reference coordinate. It is not evidence of where this word originated, was borrowed or travelled.
What Lexography infers
We use this point to orient algorisme on the map, with an approximate region label. It adds no historical route or border claim.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 072ca0d0410039fb8b779be8fc165bac575d2cda. CC BY 4.0; selected coordinates, rounded for regional orientation
07algorisme (algorisme), Middle English: The earlier English form. The familiar spelling has not yet appeared at this stage.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account; English noun/verb definitions for the displayed sense
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
The excerpt shows the source’s form or etymological account. The concise meaning and explanation are Lexography’s reading of the entry.
What Lexography infers
We show algorisme as a Middle English stage for algorithm. The written date is supported by the separate date claim; this form record does not date its borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
08Regional orientation uses Glottolog’s reference point midd1317.
Source
Glottolog 5.3 — language reference coordinatesHammarström, Forkel, Haspelmath & Bank; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLanguageTable row midd1317; Latitude, Longitude (rounded where needed).
Source passage
Reference record
midd1317 · Middle English · Latitude 51.65 · Longitude -1.11
LanguageTable row midd1317; Name, Latitude, Longitude
Qualification Reference only
This is a language reference coordinate. It is not evidence of where this word originated, was borrowed or travelled.
What Lexography infers
We use this point to orient algorisme on the map, with an approximate region label. It adds no historical route or border claim.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 072ca0d0410039fb8b779be8fc165bac575d2cda. CC BY 4.0; selected coordinates, rounded for regional orientation
09algorithm (algorithm), English: A procedure for solving a problem. The spelling also reflects an influence from unrelated Greek arithmós.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account; English noun/verb definitions for the displayed sense
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry identifies Greek arithmós as an influence on the later spelling, rather than the source of the whole word.
English > Etymology, second sentence
Qualification Source-supported
The excerpt shows the source’s form or etymological account. The concise meaning and explanation are Lexography’s reading of the entry.
What Lexography infers
We show algorithm as a English stage for algorithm. The period is supported by a separate dated claim.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
10Regional orientation uses Glottolog’s reference point stan1293.
Source
Glottolog 5.3 — language reference coordinatesHammarström, Forkel, Haspelmath & Bank; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLanguageTable row stan1293; Latitude, Longitude (rounded where needed).
Source passage
Reference record
stan1293 · English · Latitude 53.0 · Longitude -1.0
LanguageTable row stan1293; Name, Latitude, Longitude
Qualification Reference only
This is a language reference coordinate. It is not evidence of where this word originated, was borrowed or travelled.
What Lexography infers
We use this point to orient algorithm on the map, with an approximate region label. It adds no historical route or border claim.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 072ca0d0410039fb8b779be8fc165bac575d2cda. CC BY 4.0; selected coordinates, rounded for regional orientation
11ἀριθμός (arithmós), Ancient Greek: The Greek form influencing the spelling. An influence on spelling is not a claim of shared ancestry.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry identifies Greek arithmós as an influence on the later spelling, rather than the source of the whole word.
English > Etymology, second sentence
Qualification Source-supported
The excerpt shows the source’s form or etymological account. The concise meaning and explanation are Lexography’s reading of the entry.
What Lexography infers
We show arithmós as a Ancient Greek stage for algorithm. Time context is recorded in the separate period evidence; this lexical excerpt alone does not supply a first-use date.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
12Regional orientation uses Glottolog’s reference point anci1242.
Source
Glottolog 5.3 — language reference coordinatesHammarström, Forkel, Haspelmath & Bank; Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary AnthropologyLanguageTable row anci1242; Latitude, Longitude (rounded where needed).
Source passage
Reference record
anci1242 · Ionic-Attic Ancient Greek · Latitude 39.8155 · Longitude 21.9129
LanguageTable row anci1242; Name, Latitude, Longitude
Qualification Reference only
This is a language reference coordinate. It is not evidence of where this word originated, was borrowed or travelled.
What Lexography infers
We use this point to orient arithmós on the map, with an approximate region label. It adds no historical route or border claim.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 072ca0d0410039fb8b779be8fc165bac575d2cda. CC BY 4.0; selected coordinates, rounded for regional orientation
13al-Khwārizmī → algorismus: borrowing. The source identifies this connection.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
The source identifies this connection.
What Lexography infers
We connect al-Khwārizmī (Arabic) to algorismus (Medieval Latin) as borrowing. Any line on the map is schematic, not a documented physical itinerary.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
14algorismus → algorisme: borrowing. The source identifies this connection.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
The source identifies this connection.
What Lexography infers
We connect algorismus (Medieval Latin) to algorisme (Anglo-Norman) as borrowing. Any line on the map is schematic, not a documented physical itinerary.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
15algorisme → algorisme: borrowing. The source identifies this connection.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
The source identifies this connection.
What Lexography infers
We connect algorisme (Anglo-Norman) to algorisme (Middle English) as borrowing. Any line on the map is schematic, not a documented physical itinerary.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
16algorisme → algorithm: derivation. Alteration of the earlier form.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
Alteration of the earlier form.
What Lexography infers
We connect algorisme (Middle English) to algorithm (English) as derivation. Any line on the map is schematic, not a documented physical itinerary.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
17arithmós → algorithm: influence. Wiktionary identifies unrelated Greek arithmós as the influence on -th-.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, prose account
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry identifies Greek arithmós as an influence on the later spelling, rather than the source of the whole word.
English > Etymology, second sentence
Qualification Source-supported
Wiktionary identifies unrelated Greek arithmós as the influence on -th-.
What Lexography infers
We connect arithmós (Ancient Greek) to algorithm (English) as influence. This is an influence on spelling, not parentage.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
18Algorithm names a procedure for solving a problem.
Source
algorithm — Word History & definitionsMerriam-WebsterDefinition; Word History > Etymology
Source passage
Excerpt
a specific step-by-step procedure for solving a problem
Noun, sense 1
Qualification Source-supported
The excerpt shows the source’s form or etymological account. The concise meaning and explanation are Lexography’s reading of the entry.
What Lexography infers
We show algorithm as a English stage for algorithm. The period is supported by a separate dated claim.
Checked 2026-09-13. Copyright Merriam-Webster; brief attributed excerpts and factual summaries only; no full article redistribution
19English algorithm: 1811. First known use reported by the source, not the origin of the word.
Source
algorithm — Word History & definitionsMerriam-WebsterWord History > First Known Use; the specified part of speech / sense
Source passage
Excerpt
1811, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Word History > First Known Use, Noun
Qualification Qualified
The Word History table gives 1811. The page’s explanatory prose also mentions an early-20th-century attestation, so the page is internally inconsistent.
What Lexography infers
We retain 1811 as the explicitly attributed Word History date, with this qualification; it is not a resolved first-use claim.
Checked 2026-09-13. Copyright Merriam-Webster; brief attributed excerpts and factual summaries only; no full article redistribution
20An ordered, precisely specified procedure for solving a problem or carrying out a computation. An algorithm describes the steps to follow; it is not limited to a particular computer program or programming language.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Noun
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
An ordered, precisely specified procedure for solving a problem or carrying out a computation. An algorithm describes the steps to follow; it is not limited to a particular computer program or programming language.
English > Noun
Qualification Source-supported
This is an editorial summary of the selected present-day senses, not a claim that every sense existed at the earliest date.
What Lexography infers
Give the searched entry a fuller, readable definition and keep historical changes separately sourced.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
21The selected reading of algorithm is /ˈælɡəɹɪðm̩/ (Present-day British English).
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Pronunciation
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Present-day British English: /ˈælɡəɹɪðm̩/.
English > Pronunciation
Qualification Qualified
This is a present-day dictionary reading, not a reconstruction of pronunciation at the displayed historical date. “th” is voiced, as in “this”.
What Lexography infers
The readable guide “AL-guh-rith-um” is Lexography’s approximation of this cited pronunciation, not a separate source transcription.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
22الخَوَارِزْمِيّ is a name meaning from Chorasmia (Khwarazm).
Source
الخوارزمي — Arabic entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsArabic > Proper noun
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
الخَوَارِزْمِيّ is a name meaning from Chorasmia (Khwarazm).
Arabic > Proper noun
Qualification Source-supported
This records the specified language and sense. Other homographs and historical periods are not interchangeable.
What Lexography infers
Use this lexical record to describe the selected stage; a dictionary definition alone does not date its borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 88968801. Adapted from English Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0; source revision retained. Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
23Latin algorismus is derived from the mathematician’s Arabic name.
Source
algorismus — Latin entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsLatin > Etymology; Noun
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Latin algorismus is derived from the mathematician’s Arabic name.
Latin > Etymology; Noun
Qualification Source-supported
This records the specified language and sense. Other homographs and historical periods are not interchangeable.
What Lexography infers
Use this lexical record to describe the selected stage; a dictionary definition alone does not date its borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 90134164. Adapted from English Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0; source revision retained. Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
24Ancient Greek ἀριθμός denotes number, quantity or counting.
Source
ἀριθμός — Ancient Greek entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsAncient Greek > Noun
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Ancient Greek ἀριθμός denotes number, quantity or counting.
Ancient Greek > Noun
Qualification Source-supported
This records the specified language and sense. Other homographs and historical periods are not interchangeable.
What Lexography infers
Use this lexical record to describe the selected stage; a dictionary definition alone does not date its borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92197183. Adapted from English Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0; source revision retained. Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
25The selected reading of الخَوَارِزْمِيّ is /al.xa.waː.riz.mijj/ (Arabic dictionary form).
Source
الخوارزمي — Arabic entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsArabic > Pronunciation
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Arabic dictionary form: /al.xa.waː.riz.mijj/.
Arabic > Pronunciation
Qualification Qualified
kh is the sound in Scottish “loch”; aa is long and the final y is doubled. No stress is asserted. This is a present-day dictionary reading, not a reconstruction of pronunciation at the displayed historical date.
What Lexography infers
The readable guide “al-kha-waa-riz-miyy” is Lexography’s approximation of this cited pronunciation, not a separate source transcription.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 88968801. Adapted from English Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0; source revision retained. Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
26The selected reading of ἀριθμός is /a.ritʰ.mós/ (5th-century BCE Attic reconstruction).
Source
ἀριθμός — Ancient Greek entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsAncient Greek > Pronunciation > 5th BCE Attic
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
5th-century BCE Attic reconstruction: /a.ritʰ.mós/.
Ancient Greek > Pronunciation > 5th BCE Attic
Qualification Qualified
t has a following puff of breath, not the English th sound. The acute in the IPA indicates pitch accent; the lower-case guide does not convert it into English stress. This is the dictionary’s conventional historical reading, not an audio attestation or a reading tied to a dated manuscript.
What Lexography infers
The readable guide “a-rit-mos” is Lexography’s approximation of this cited pronunciation, not a separate source transcription.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92197183. Adapted from English Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0; source revision retained. Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
27algorisme: 1340 · cited use.
Source
augrīm, n. — Middle English DictionaryUniversity of Michigan, Middle English CompendiumEntry Info; sense 1(a); (1340) Ayenb. (Arun 57), 1
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry includes algorīsme among its forms and defines reckoning with Arabic numerals. A 1340 Ayenbite citation uses algorisme.
Entry Info; sense 1(a); (1340) Ayenb. (Arun 57), 1
Qualification Qualified
Dates the displayed spelling in this citation. Earlier augrim examples elsewhere in the entry are not silently assigned to algorisme.
What Lexography infers
Display the cited written use, not an origin date or the time of an oral borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 2026-01-31 data refresh. Linked publication retains its own terms; original factual summaries only.
28Middle English algorisme denotes reckoning with Arabic numerals.
Source
augrīm, n. — Middle English DictionaryUniversity of Michigan, Middle English CompendiumSense 1(a)
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Middle English algorisme denotes reckoning with Arabic numerals.
Sense 1(a)
Qualification Source-supported
This records the specified language and sense. Other homographs and historical periods are not interchangeable.
What Lexography infers
Use this lexical record to describe the selected stage; a dictionary definition alone does not date its borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 2026-01-31 data refresh. Linked publication retains its own terms; original factual summaries only.
29algorithm: By 1715.
Source
Earliest Known Uses of Some of the Words of Mathematics — AJeff Miller and contributors; MacTutor, University of St AndrewsALGORITHM > original meaning; Raphson 1715 paragraph
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The ALGORITHM section contrasts early arithmetic/numeral uses with systematic methods and cites Raphson’s 1715 Theory of Fluxions, p. 23.
ALGORITHM > original meaning; Raphson 1715 paragraph
Qualification Qualified
A procedure-related English example reported by MacTutor in 1715. Merriam-Webster’s 1811 date remains a separate dictionary account; this is not an absolute first-use claim.
What Lexography infers
Display the cited written use, not an origin date or the time of an oral borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11. Linked publication retains its own terms; original factual summaries only.
30The word’s scope develops from arithmetic or numerals to a systematic method.
Source
Earliest Known Uses of Some of the Words of Mathematics — AJeff Miller and contributors; MacTutor, University of St AndrewsALGORITHM > original meaning; Raphson 1715 paragraph
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The ALGORITHM section contrasts early arithmetic/numeral uses with systematic methods and cites Raphson’s 1715 Theory of Fluxions, p. 23.
ALGORITHM > original meaning; Raphson 1715 paragraph
Qualification Qualified
This is a development across the selected historical and modern senses, not an event assigned to a single year.
What Lexography infers
Classify the expansion to general procedures as broadening, with the Middle English reckoning sense separately supported by MED.
Checked 2026-09-11. Linked publication retains its own terms; original factual summaries only.
31الخَوَارِزْمِيّ: c. 780–850 — historical context.
Source
Al-Khwarizmi — biographical chronologyJ. J. O’Connor and E. F. Robertson; MacTutor, University of St AndrewsQuick Info > Born and Died
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The biography’s Quick Info gives an approximate lifetime of 780–850 for al-Khwārizmī.
Quick Info > Born and Died
Qualification Qualified
The dates describe the mathematician’s approximate lifetime, not the first written form of his name or the invention of an algorithm.
What Lexography infers
Use this evidence only at the stated level: a written example, contextual period or latest-possible bound. It does not establish the origin of the form, its entire sense range, or the date of borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-13. Linked publication retains its own terms; brief original factual summaries only.
32algorismus: c. 1200 — historical context.
Source
Algorismus — medieval mathematical teachingUniversity of Heidelberg, IWR, Algorithmen und Datenstrukturen lecture notes (archived)Einführung > Zur Geschichte, paragraph on Algorismus de integris and Algorismus de minutiis
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The historical introduction places algorismus arithmetic methods in the curriculum from around 1200, following twelfth-century Latin translation.
Einführung > Zur Geschichte, paragraph on Algorismus de integris and Algorismus de minutiis
Qualification Qualified
This date anchors the medieval teaching context of algorismus calculation. It is not claimed as the first Latin occurrence.
What Lexography infers
Use this evidence only at the stated level: a written example, contextual period or latest-possible bound. It does not establish the origin of the form, its entire sense range, or the date of borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11. Linked publication retains its own terms; brief original factual summaries only.
33algorisme: c. 1250–1400 — textual period.
Source
Algorism — Anglo-Norman lexical familyAnglo-Norman Dictionary, Aberystwyth Universityalgorism > sense 1 and dated citations; revision 22 March 2007
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry begins with a 1256 work (manuscript around 1300) and gives related forms including augrim and algorism in later medieval citations.
algorism > sense 1 and dated citations; revision 22 March 2007
Qualification Qualified
Rounded context for the cited Anglo-Norman lexical family. The 1256 citation is augrim, not the exact displayed spelling algorisme; this range is not its first attestation.
What Lexography infers
Use this evidence only at the stated level: a written example, contextual period or latest-possible bound. It does not establish the origin of the form, its entire sense range, or the date of borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-12. Linked publication retains its own terms; brief original factual summaries only.
34The Greek number word occurs in the received Odyssey text.
Source
Arithmós — Greek number wordLiddell, Scott and Jones, A Greek–English Lexicon; Logeion, University of ChicagoLSJ > ἀριθμός > sense I, opening citation
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The number sense of ἀριθμός has a reference to Odyssey 4.451.
LSJ > ἀριθμός > sense I, opening citation
Qualification Qualified
This dates a literary context, not the later Greek influence on the spelling of algorithm.
What Lexography infers
Use this evidence only at the stated level: a written example, contextual period or latest-possible bound. It does not establish the origin of the form, its entire sense range, or the date of borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11. Linked publication retains its own terms; brief original factual summaries only.
35ἀριθμός: By c. 650 BCE — inferred bound.
Source
Homer: The Odyssey — dating the epicJasper Griffin; Cambridge University Press, second edition (2004)Chapter 1, section 2, The date of the Odyssey, p. 6
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Griffin places the Homeric poems in existence by approximately 650 BCE, while emphasizing uncertainty about their precise composition.
Chapter 1, section 2, The date of the Odyssey, p. 6
Qualification Qualified
A broad bound from the epic’s composition chronology and its received lexical text. It is not a dated manuscript of the word, nor a date for the later spelling influence on algorithm.
What Lexography infers
Use this evidence only at the stated level: a written example, contextual period or latest-possible bound. It does not establish the origin of the form, its entire sense range, or the date of borrowing.
Checked 2026-09-11. Linked publication retains its own terms; brief original factual summaries only.
36الخَوَارِزْمِيّ is classified as proper noun for this Arabic stage.
Source
الخوارزمي — Arabic entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsArabic > Proper noun
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
الخَوَارِزْمِيّ is a name meaning from Chorasmia (Khwarazm).
Arabic > Proper noun
Qualification Source-supported
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
What Lexography infers
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 88968801. Adapted from English Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0; source revision retained. Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
37algorismus is classified as noun for this Medieval Latin stage.
Source
algorismus — Latin entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsLatin > Etymology; Noun
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Latin algorismus is derived from the mathematician’s Arabic name.
Latin > Etymology; Noun
Qualification Source-supported
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
What Lexography infers
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 90134164. Adapted from English Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0; source revision retained. Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
38algorisme is classified as noun for this Anglo-Norman stage.
Source
Algorism — Anglo-Norman lexical familyAnglo-Norman Dictionary, Aberystwyth Universityalgorism > s. > sense 1
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The Anglo-Norman entry classifies the word as a substantive, or noun, for arithmetic using Arabic numerals.
algorism > s. > sense 1
Qualification Source-supported
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
What Lexography infers
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
Checked 2026-09-12. Linked publication retains its own terms; brief original factual summaries only.
39algorisme is classified as noun for this Middle English stage.
Source
augrīm, n. — Middle English DictionaryUniversity of Michigan, Middle English CompendiumEntry Info; sense 1(a); (1340) Ayenb. (Arun 57), 1
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry includes algorīsme among its forms and defines reckoning with Arabic numerals. A 1340 Ayenbite citation uses algorisme.
Entry Info; sense 1(a); (1340) Ayenb. (Arun 57), 1
Qualification Source-supported
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
What Lexography infers
The dictionary title marks the entry n.; the selected algorisme spelling belongs to that noun entry.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 2026-01-31 data refresh. Linked publication retains its own terms; original factual summaries only.
40algorithm is classified as noun for this English stage.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Noun
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
An ordered, precisely specified procedure for solving a problem or carrying out a computation. An algorithm describes the steps to follow; it is not limited to a particular computer program or programming language.
English > Noun
Qualification Source-supported
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
What Lexography infers
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
41ἀριθμός is classified as noun for this Ancient Greek stage.
Source
ἀριθμός — Ancient Greek entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsAncient Greek > Noun
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Ancient Greek ἀριθμός denotes number, quantity or counting.
Ancient Greek > Noun
Qualification Source-supported
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
What Lexography infers
Classifies the selected lexical sense from its dictionary section; other senses, grammatical uses and the date of first use are not inferred.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92197183. Adapted from English Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0; source revision retained. Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
42Algorithm now denotes a specified procedure and also a computerised selection or ranking system, including a platform’s personalised content curation.
Source
algorithm — Word History & definitionsMerriam-WebsterNoun > senses 1–2; Did you know?
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
Algorithm now denotes a specified procedure and also a computerised selection or ranking system, including a platform’s personalised content curation.
Noun > senses 1–2; Did you know?
Qualification Source-supported
These contemporary extensions are not dated by the 1715 or 1811 procedure examples. A named system may contain many algorithms.
What Lexography infers
Use this evidence for the specified form or sense; the presentation is an editorial summary.
Checked 2026-09-13. Copyright Merriam-Webster; brief attributed excerpts and factual summaries only; no full article redistribution
43algorithm: inspected lexical sources support the displayed forms and conventional readings, with reconstructions kept visibly reconstructed where relevant.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, opening chain
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Source-supported
A modern or conventional reading is not presented as an exact historical sound; reconstructed forms remain reconstructed.
What Lexography infers
Lexography records the strongest inspected reading available for the displayed stage and keeps transliteration separate from pronunciation.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
44algorithm: the displayed map point represents a supported language, speech, community or contact region at the strongest defensible precision.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, opening chain
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Qualified
The region is not a fabricated birthplace; language-reference and contact-corridor coordinates are used only for orientation.
What Lexography infers
Lexography maps a defensible lexical or speech region while preserving uncertainty about exact donor location.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
45algorithm: the batch keeps lexical chronology, contextual history, semantic development and competing routes distinct.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, opening chain
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Qualified
Earlier reviewed ambiguity and source limits remain visible; no cultural, object, institutional or biographical date is promoted to word history.
What Lexography infers
Lexography enriches the published journey without silently replacing a reviewed route or manufacturing a cleaner topology.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.
46algorithm: lexical dates are retained only where the inspected record dates a word, sense or documented use; conflicting witnesses remain recorded as conflicts.
Source
algorithm — English dictionary entryEnglish Wiktionary contributorsEnglish > Etymology, opening chain
Source passage
Source summary · not a quotation
The entry traces algorithm through Middle English, Anglo-Norman and Medieval Latin to al-Khwārizmī’s Arabic name.
English > Etymology, opening chain
Qualification Qualified
A dated witness is not treated as a coinage date, and competing dictionary dates are not silently reconciled.
What Lexography infers
Lexography separates lexical attestation from contextual periodization and reports bounded uncertainty.
Checked 2026-09-11 · revision 92453450. CC BY-SA 4.0; selected and adapted with attribution Link formatting and spacing normalized; summaries are labeled.