Since I'm older than 1976, I knew than this word we are jousting over is as well;
pre-dates computers by QUITE a bunch.
 2 entries found for algorithm. To select an entry, click on it. Pronunciation: 'al-g&-"ri-[th]&m Function: noun Etymology: alteration of Middle English algorisme, from Old French & Medieval Latin; Old French, from Medieval Latin algorismus, from Arabic al-khuwArizmi, from al-KhwArizmI fl A.D. 825 Arabian mathematician Date: circa 1894 : a procedure for solving a mathematical problem (as of finding the greatest common divisor) in a finite number of steps that frequently involves repetition of an operation; broadly : a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem or accomplishing some end especially by a computer - al·go·rith·mic /"al-g&-'ri[th]-mik/ adjective - al·go·rith·mi·cal·ly /-mi-k(&-)lE/ adverb |
To wit, a PROCEDURE is not a PROGRAM until a HUMAN implements it on a computer.