iteration
UK: ˌɪtəˈreɪʃən | US: ˌɪtəˈreɪʃən
n. the act of repeating a process or set of instructions, typically to improve or refine an outcome
n. (computing) a single repetition of a loop or repeated sequence in a program
n. (mathematics) a procedure in which an operation is repeated using the result of the previous step
The word "iteration" stems from the Latin verb iterare ("to repeat"), derived from iterum ("again"). The root iterate preserves the core meaning of repetition, while the suffix -ion transforms it into a noun denoting the action or result of repeating. Originally used in mathematics and logic, it gained prominence in computing to describe cyclical processes. The morphemes logically combine to reflect a structured, step-by-step repetition.
The design team improved the prototype through multiple iterations.
Each iteration of the algorithm reduces computational errors.
The poet’s final draft was the product of countless iterations.
In Agile development, iterations are called "sprints."
The function converges after five iterations.