What does "algol" mean?
(from a combination of ALGOrithmic and Language); a programming language used to express computer programs as algorithms
Algol
/ˈælɡɒl/ name
name ·Rare ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: (from a combination of ALGOrithmic and Language); a programming language used to express computer programs as algorithms
- Grammar: algol is listed as name.
- Nearest alternatives: algorithmic language, algorithmic language family, beta persei, bit.
- Useful contrasts: low level language, nonvariable star.
- Usage evidence: He was the defiant homesteader, the crusty senior member of a research team who understood Algol and Fortran but couldn't read the secrets of his own heart.
How to use "algol"
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Meaning check
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Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "algol" in a final draft.
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Before you rely on this definition
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
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Final meaning check
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Definitions
Noun
- 1 (from a combination of ALGOrithmic and Language); a programming language used to express computer programs as algorithms wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 An eclipsing binary star in the constellation of Perseus; Beta (β) Persei. It represents the eye of Medusa, whose head is being held by Perseus.
- 2 Alternative letter-case form of ALGOL. alt-of
"He was the defiant homesteader, the crusty senior member of a research team who understood Algol and Fortran but couldn't read the secrets of his own heart."
- 3 An influential early high-level programming language designed for solving mathematical and scientific problems.
"Later, ALGOL was used as the basis of JOVIAL, MAD, NELIAC, and ALGO. In 1960, a division occurred based on unresolved disagreements and ALGOL 60 was born."
- 4 A family of programming languages derived from ALGOL 58.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
low level languagenonvariable star
Example
"He was the defiant homesteader, the crusty senior member of a research team who understood Algol and Fortran but couldn't read the secrets of his own heart."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "algol"?
Common synonyms include: algorithmic language, algorithmic language family, beta persei, bit, bug, command.
How do you use "algol" in a sentence?
He was the defiant homesteader, the crusty senior member of a research team who understood Algol and Fortran but couldn't read the secrets of his own heart.
How do you pronounce "algol"?
Pronounced /ˈælɡɒl/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From Arabic الْغُول (al-ḡūl, “the ghoul”).
Etymology 2
Devised as an acronym of algorithmic language.