Memoize

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To optimize function performance by storing results of expensive calls and returning the cached output when the same inputs occur; to remember information temporarily to avoid repeated computation; a technique used in programming for faster data retrieval
2. Enhancing computational efficiency by saving previous function outputs to reuse for identical future inputs; the process of caching computed data to reduce redundant operations; a strategy used in software development to speed up repeated tasks
3. Implementing a method that preserves the results of function evaluations for later reuse with the same parameters; a form of caching that prevents recalculating values; commonly applied in coding to improve processing speed through stored memory of prior results

Etymology: The verb at hand emerged from the field of computer science in the late 20th century, particularly within discussions about optimizing the efficiency of programs. It derives from the noun "memo," short for "memorandum," which refers to a note or record meant to preserve information. In programming, "memoize" captures the idea of storing the results of expensive function calls, so that subsequent calls with the same inputs can retrieve the stored result without recalculating it. This practice was formally named and popularized in the 1960s and 1970s as part of the development of functional programming languages like Lisp. Programmers sought ways to avoid redundant computations, especially in recursive functions, by remembering previously computed values. The verb was formed by taking "memo" and adding the verb-forming suffix "-ize," which means "to make" or "to render," resulting in a term that literally means "to make memorable" or "to store in memory." The word is a neat example of how technical jargon can evolve by repurposing everyday language. While "memo" originally denoted a written reminder, in computing it took on a metaphorical sense: not a physical note but a stored piece of data held in fast-access memory. The suffix "-ize" transforms this into an action, emphasizing the process of caching or recording results during execution. Though this verb is tightly linked to programming, its construction is consistent with English word-formation patterns that allow nouns to become verbs by adding "-ize." Its first appearances can be traced to technical writings and discussions among computer scientists who sought a concise term for this optimization technique, which remains a fundamental concept in software engineering to this day.

Synonyms: cache, store, remember, record, log

Antonyms: forget, ignore, neglect, discard, erase