Meaning & Definition of word "Iterative"

Iterative

/ˈɪt.əˌreɪ.tɪv/

adjective:

  • 1. Characterized by repetition or the process of repeating a series of steps.
    • Example: The iterative process of software development allows for regular updates based on user feedback.
  • 2. Involving a sequence of operations that are repeated until a certain condition is met.
    • Example: The mathematician used an iterative method to approximate the roots of the equation.
  • 3. Relating to a procedure that is applied repeatedly, often with improvement after each cycle.
    • Example: The company adopted an iterative approach to project management, resulting in more refined outcomes after each sprint.
  • 4. Describing a manner of solving problems by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts that are solved one at a time.
    • Example: The team used an iterative strategy for the research, allowing them to build on previous findings.

Etymology

From Latin 'iterare', meaning 'to repeat'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

iterative process:

A method of doing something through repeated cycles.

iterative design:

A design methodology that allows for revisions and changes based on feedback.

Related Words

iteration:

The act of repeating a process or a series of actions.

reiteration:

The act of stating or doing something again.

recursion:

The process of defining a function in terms of itself.

Slang Meanings of iterative

Meaning: In the tech industry, it may refer to a cycle of development that is stopped and started frequently.

Example Sentence: We're in an iterative phase right now, just fixing bugs before the next rollout.

Meaning: Jargon among programmers for a repeated debugging or testing phase.

Example Sentence: After several iterations, we finally nailed down the main issue in the code.