Recursion
/rɪˈkɜːr.ʒən/noun
A process in which something refers back to itself or repeats in a self-similar way.
Did you know?Recursion comes from Latin currere, “to run,” the same ancient root behind words about speed, careers, and even currents—so the idea began as physical motion before becoming a mind-bending self-reference term.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kers-
“to run”
Latin
Latin
currere
“to run”
Latin
Latin
recurrere
“to run back, return”
Late Latin
Latin
recursio
“a running back; recurrence”
Middle French
Old French
recursion
“a return; recurrence”
Modern English
English
recursion
“the act or process of recurring or repeating in a self-referential way”