GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 2 definitions

1.       
    Algorism (), Algorithm (),  n. [OE. algorism, algrim, augrim, OF. algorisme, F. algorithme (cf. Sp. algoritmo, OSp. alguarismo, LL. algorismus), fr. the Ar. al-Khowārezmī of Khowārezm, the modern Khiwa, surname of Abu Ja'far Mohammed ben Musā, author of a work on arithmetic early in the 9th century, which was translated into Latin, such books bearing the name algorismus. The spelling with th is due to a supposed connection with Gr.  number.]
   1. The art of calculating by nine figures and zero; computation with Arabic figures.
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   
   2. the Arabic system of numeration.
   
   Syn. -- decimal system
   
   [WordNet 1.5]
   
   
   3. The art of calculating with any species of notation; as, “the algorithms of fractions, proportions, surds, etc.”
   
   [1913 Webster]
   
   
         
       

2.       
   algorithm n. a precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem; a set of procedures guaranteed to find the solution to a problem.
   
   Syn. -- algorithmic rule, algorithmic program
   
   [WordNet 1.5 +PJC]