Algol
/ˈælɡɒl/ proper noun
- proper noun (astronomy) An eclipsing binary star in the constellation of Perseus; Beta (β) Persei. It represents the eye of Medusa, whose head is being held by Perseus.
- proper noun (computer languages) An influential early high-level programming language designed for solving mathematical and scientific problems.
- proper noun A family of programming languages derived from ALGOL 58.
Synonyms
Etymology
From Arabic الْغُول (al-ḡūl, “the ghoul”).
Devised as an acronym of algorithmic language.
Webster’s 1913
- noun A fixed star, in Medusa's head, in the constellation Perseus, remarkable for its periodic variation in brightness.
Etymology [Ar. al-gh destruction, calamity, fr. ghala to take suddenly, destroy.]
Sources: Wiktionary · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “Algol”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details