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Recursion: meaning, definitions and examples

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recursion

 

[ rɪˈkərʒən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

programming

Recursion is a programming technique where a function calls itself in order to solve a problem. It involves breaking a problem down into smaller subproblems and solving each of them recursively.

Synonyms

iteration, looping, repetition

Examples of usage

  • Recursion is commonly used in algorithms like factorial calculation and Fibonacci sequence generation.
  • The concept of recursion can be challenging for beginners to grasp.
  • In recursion, the function keeps calling itself until a base condition is met.
Context #2 | Noun

mathematics

In mathematics, recursion refers to a process where a function is defined in terms of itself. It is often used in defining sequences and series.

Synonyms

iteration, repetition, self-reference

Examples of usage

  • The Fibonacci sequence is a classic example of recursion in mathematics.
  • Recursive formulas are used to generate terms of a sequence based on previous terms.
Context #3 | Noun

general

Recursion can also refer to the repeated application of a rule, procedure, or formula to successive results.

Synonyms

iteration, reiteration, repetition

Examples of usage

  • The concept of recursion can be found in various fields such as linguistics and psychology.
  • In linguistics, recursion plays a role in the generation of complex sentences.

Translations

Translations of the word "recursion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 recursão

🇮🇳 पुनरावृत्ति

🇩🇪 Rekursion

🇮🇩 rekursi

🇺🇦 рекурсія

🇵🇱 rekurencja

🇯🇵 再帰 (さいき)

🇫🇷 récursivité

🇪🇸 recursión

🇹🇷 özyineleme

🇰🇷 재귀

🇸🇦 التكرار

🇨🇿 rekurze

🇸🇰 rekurzia

🇨🇳 递归 (dìguī)

🇸🇮 rekurzija

🇮🇸 endurkvæmi

🇰🇿 рекурсия

🇬🇪 რეკურსია

🇦🇿 rekursiya

🇲🇽 recursión

Etymology

The term 'recursion' originated from the Latin verb 'recurrere', meaning 'to run back'. The concept of recursion has been used in various disciplines throughout history, but it gained prominence in computer science and mathematics due to its powerful problem-solving capabilities.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,195, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.