Recursion

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ɹɪˈkɜː(ɹ)ʒən/

Definitions

1. A systematic approach where a function repeatedly invokes itself to achieve a solution involves breaking a problem down into simpler, self-similar instances that are solved iteratively
2. A technique where a function refers to itself in order to accomplish a task is applied in computing and problem-solving methods, breaking down complex issues into manageable, similar components
3. A method where an idea or procedure calls on itself repeatedly to address smaller versions of the original task

Etymology: The Latin "recurrere" meant "run back," and its noun "recursio" meant the act of running back or returning. English borrowed the word from that Latin root, so the original sense is literal motion: something coming back along the path it took. The mathematical and computing sense, where a procedure calls itself, is a much later extension of that idea of returning. The step from a physical return to a self-calling procedure is a short one. A process that returns to its own starting point and runs again, each time on a smaller version of the problem, is simply a return applied to logic. The word's Latin pieces are "re-," meaning back or again, and "currere," meaning to run, so the whole word preserves the image of running back over the same ground.

Synonyms: reiteration, repetitiveness, self-reference, looping, return

Antonyms: termination, end, conclusion, closure, stop