FREE! Click here to Join FunTrivia. Thousands of games, quizzes, and lots more!
Fun Trivia
Home: Questions and Answers Forum
Answers to 100,000 Fascinating Questions
Welcome to FunTrivia's Question & Answer forum!

Search All Questions


Please cite any factual claims with citation links or references from authoritative sources. Editors continuously recheck submissions and claims.

Archived Questions

Goto Qn #


What is the origin of the word "algorithm"?

Question #151073. Asked by BigTriviaDawg.
Last updated May 08 2024.
Originally posted May 08 2024 8:11 PM.

avatar
psnz star
Answer has 2 votes
psnz star
4 year member
783 replies avatar

Answer has 2 votes.
A 9th-century Persian mathematician: abu-Ja'far Mohammed ibn-Musa al-Khuwarizmi.

Algorithm is derived from "algorism" meaning "the system of Arabic numerals." Algorism comes from the mathematician who operated in the fields of algebra and numeric systems.
link https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/algorithm
1690s, "Arabic system of computation," from French "algorithme," refashioned (under mistaken connection with Greek "arithmos" "number") from Old French "algorisme" "the Arabic numeral system" (13c.), from Medieval Latin "algorismus," a mangled transliteration of Arabic "al-Khwarizmi" "native of Khwarazm" (modern "Khiva" in Uzbekistan), surname of the mathematician whose works introduced sophisticated mathematics to the West (cf. algebra). The earlier form in Middle English was "algorism" (early 13c.), from Old French. The meaning broadened to any method of computation; from mid-20c. especially with reference to computing.
link https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=algorthm

Response last updated by psnz on May 08 2024.
May 08 2024, 8:13 PM
free email trivia FREE! Get a new mixed Fun Trivia quiz each day in your email. It's a fun way to start your day!


arrow Your Email Address:

Sign in or Create Free User ID to participate in the discussion

Related FunTrivia Quizzes

play quiz Origin
(Evanescence)
play quiz "Origin"
(X-Men)
play quiz Origin of Surnames
(Surnames)

Return to FunTrivia
"Ask FunTrivia" strives to offer the best answers possible to trivia questions. We ask our submitters to thoroughly research questions and provide sources where possible. Feel free to post corrections or additions. This is server B184.