algorithm

noun

1. A set of clear steps or rules for solving a problem or completing a task, especially by a computer.

   B1

   countable

   • "Follow this algorithm to sort the numbers from smallest to largest."B1
   • "Researchers designed an algorithm that can detect early signs of the disease in medical images."C1

2. A set of rules used by an online service to decide what content or results to show you.

   B2

   countable

   • "The app’s algorithm recommends videos based on what I watch."B2

3. A procedure or method for calculating or reasoning something out, used more generally outside computing.

   C1

   countable

   • "There is a simple algorithm for deciding which route is cheapest."C1