recursion
noun
re·cur·sion ri-ˈkər-zhən 
1
: return sense 1
2
: the determination of a succession of elements (such as numbers or functions) by operation on one or more preceding elements according to a rule or formula involving a finite number of steps
3
: a computer programming technique involving the use of a procedure, subroutine, function, or algorithm that calls itself one or more times until a specified condition is met at which time the rest of each repetition is processed from the last one called to the first compare iteration
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web Dynamic programming was developed in the 1950s to solve complex problems using two key techniques based on recursion and memoization. 
Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2022 One individual went three layers deep into this sort of recursion. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Feb. 2022 In a neat bit of recursion, AI is also driving a diversification of chip designs. Will Knight, Wired, 7 Sep. 2021 There are two elements of this deck: land recursion, and landfall. Joe Parlock, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 Whether recursion is universal, for example, is contested. The Economist, 22 Aug. 2019 Informally, recursion involves having an entity or action that refers to, acts on or is based on a copy or type of itself. Quanta Magazine, 17 Apr. 2019 Our April Insights puzzle explored the magical concept of recursion, a self-referencing process that can create unending complexity from simple beginnings. Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2019 Build on the recursion one element at a time, looking for a pattern. Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2019 See More
Janakiram Msv, Forbes, 27 Mar. 2022 One individual went three layers deep into this sort of recursion. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 9 Feb. 2022 In a neat bit of recursion, AI is also driving a diversification of chip designs. Will Knight, Wired, 7 Sep. 2021 There are two elements of this deck: land recursion, and landfall. Joe Parlock, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2021 Whether recursion is universal, for example, is contested. The Economist, 22 Aug. 2019 Informally, recursion involves having an entity or action that refers to, acts on or is based on a copy or type of itself. Quanta Magazine, 17 Apr. 2019 Our April Insights puzzle explored the magical concept of recursion, a self-referencing process that can create unending complexity from simple beginnings. Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2019 Build on the recursion one element at a time, looking for a pattern. Quanta Magazine, 16 May 2019 See More Word History
Etymology
borrowed from Late Latin recursiōn-, recursiō "return," from Latin recurrere "to run back, return" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at recur
Note: The form -curs- for expected *-co(r)st- follows the past participle and verbal noun cursus; seen note at course entry 1.
First Known Use
1790, in the meaning defined at sense 1