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n. 1. Mathematics a. A method of defining a sequence of objects, such as an expression, function, or set, where some number of initial objects are given and each successive object is defined in terms of the preceding objects. The Fibonacci sequence is defined by recursion. b. A set of objects so defined. c. A rule describing the relation between an object in a recursive sequence in terms of the preceding objects. 2. Linguistics The property of languages in which a structure, such as a phrase or clause, may form a part of a larger structure of the same kind, allowing for a potentially infinite variety of constructions. [Late Latin recursiō, recursiōn-, a running back, from Latin recursus, past participle of recurrere, to run back; see RECUR.] |
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