optimalprefixtree
nounUK /ˈɒptɪməl ˈpriːfɪks triː/
US /ˈɑːptɪməl ˈpriːfɪks triː/
A special tree-shaped map that helps a computer find words very fast by their first letters.
The search box uses an optimalprefixtree so it can suggest words as soon as you type the first few letters.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A way to store a list of words so that words sharing the same beginning are grouped together.
The spell checker stores its word list in an optimalprefixtree.
3. A tree where each branch stands for one letter, making it easy to walk down and spell a word.
To look up 'cat', the program walks down the optimalprefixtree branch by branch: c, then a, then t.
4. A tool programmers use to make typing suggestions and word games run quickly.
The game's hint feature relies on an optimalprefixtree to find all words starting with 'st'.