Algorithm

A detailed formula or set of steps for solving a particular problem. To be an algorithm, a set of rules must be unambiguous and have a clear stopping point.

A computer program (or set of programs) which is designed to systematically solve a certain kind of problem. WSR-88D radars (NEXRAD) employ algorithms to analyze radar data and automatically determine storm motion, probability of hail, VIL, accumulated rainfall, and several other parameters.

A procedure, which can be written as a set of steps, for producing a specific output from a given input.

A well-defined sequence of steps, clearly enough explained that even a computer could do them.

An algorithm is an operational programming rule that determine how a search engine indexes content and displays the results to its users.

A limited sequence of instructions or steps that tells a computer system how to solve a particular problem. A biometric system will have multiple algorithms, for example: image processing, template generation, comparisons, etc.