heuristic

Meanings

Plural: heuristics

Noun

a commonsense rule (or set of rules) intended to increase the probability of solving some problem
A heuristic method.
The art of applying heuristic methods.
A heuristic algorithm or method.

Adjective

of or relating to or using a general formulation that serves to guide investigation

Adj

That employs a practical method not guaranteed to be optimal or perfect; either not following or derived from any theory, or based on an advisedly oversimplified one.
That provides a useful, but not optimal, solution to a problem. Such algorithms are typically employed either because the only known algorithms that provide optimal solutions use too much time or resources, or else because there is no known algorithm that provides an optimal solution.
That reasons from the value of a method or principle that has been shown by experimental investigation to be a useful aid in learning, discovery and problem-solving.

Origin / Etymology

Irregular formation from Ancient Greek εὑρίσκω (heurískō, “I find, discover”) (compare the proper Greek term εὑρετικός (heuretikós)).

Synonyms

heuristic program, heuristic rule

Antonyms

algorithmic

Scrabble Score: 14

heuristic is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
heuristic is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
heuristic is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 15

heuristic is a valid Words With Friends word