Heuristic
/hjʊəˈrɪstɪk/noun
A method of discovery or problem-solving based on practical experience, rules of thumb, or trial and error.
Did you know?Heuristic comes from Greek *heuriskein*, the same root behind *Eureka*—the shouted cry of discovery linked to Archimedes.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
heurískō
“I find, discover, come upon”
Ancient Greek
Greek
heurḗma
“a finding, discovery”
Late Greek
Greek
heuristikós
“able to find, inventive”
18th Century
English
heuristic
“serving to aid discovery or invention”
Modern English
English
heuristic
“a practical method for solving problems or making decisions”