genetic algorithm
nounUK /dʒəˈnɛtɪk ˈælɡərɪðəm/
US /dʒəˈnɛtɪk ˈælɡəˌrɪðəm/
A computer program that tries many answers and keeps the best ones, like picking the strongest puppies to grow up.
The engineer used a genetic algorithm to find the best shape for the airplane wing.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A search technique that mimics biological evolution by combining and mutating candidate solutions over generations.
Genetic algorithms are often used for scheduling and routing problems.
3. A machine learning method that improves a set of rules by repeatedly selecting and recombining the most successful ones.
The team trained a genetic algorithm to play a simple video game.
4. An optimization approach inspired by Darwinian evolution, used when traditional math methods are too slow.
A genetic algorithm helped design a lighter bridge structure.