descent algorithm
nounUK /dɪˈsɛnt ˈælɡərɪðəm/
US /dɪˈsɛnt ˈælɡərɪðəm/
A set of steps a computer follows to make something smaller or lower, step by step.
The descent algorithm slowly lowered the error until the computer found the best answer.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A method that repeatedly moves toward a lower value to solve a math problem.
Engineers used a descent algorithm to find the lowest point on the curve.
3. In machine learning, a way to adjust model settings to reduce mistakes.
Training the model with a descent algorithm made its predictions more accurate.
4. Any step-by-step process that goes downward toward a goal.
The descent algorithm checked each lower value until it could go no further.