algorithm

/ˈælɡəɹɪðm̩/noun

A sequence of step-by-step instructions for solving a problem or performing a calculation.

Example sentence

“The program uses a simple algorithm to sort the names alphabetically.”

In casual speech "the algorithm" now means the unseen system deciding what a social media feed shows you.

Related words

encryptionThe scrambling of information so that it can only be read by someone with the right key or password.databaseAn organized collection of information stored as linked tables and other objects such as queries, forms, and reports.bluetoothA technical standard that lets nearby devices connect to each other without wires.serverA computer or program that supplies data or services to other computers or programs, often across a network.notificationAn alert or message that a device or app shows to tell you about something, such as a new email or update.folderA named storage area on a computer where files and other folders can be kept together.