search algorithm
nounUK /sɜːtʃ ˈælɡərɪðəm/
US /sɝːtʃ ˈælɡərɪðəm/
A search algorithm is a set of steps a computer follows to find something.
The search algorithm found the missing file in just a second.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A method used by search engines to decide which web pages to show first.
The search algorithm ranked the most helpful websites at the top.
3. A step-by-step rule for finding a path through a maze or map.
The robot used a search algorithm to find the shortest way out of the maze.
4. A way of checking a list one item at a time until the right one is found.
A simple search algorithm looked through every name on the list.