Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

recursiveness

noun

/ˌriːkɜːrˈsɪv.nəs/

Definition

Recursiveness is the quality or state of being recursive; it refers to the method in which a function calls itself in programming and mathematics, as well as the process of defining something in terms of itself.

Examples

The recursiveness of the sequence allowed us to derive a formula for its nth term.
In computer science, algorithms often leverage recursiveness to simplify complex problems.
The recursiveness of language allows us to create endless sentences by embedding clauses within clauses.

Meaning

In broader terms, recursiveness can apply to processes or structures that are self-referential, allowing for complex patterns and behaviors that are built from simpler, repetitive elements.