indirection
Meaning
The use of indirect means or methods; a lack of straightforwardness.
In computing, a technique of accessing data or code via a reference or address rather than directly.
Structure
Usage
He achieved his goal through subtle indirection and clever persuasion.
The programmer used a pointer for indirection to access the memory location.
Her answer was full of indirection, avoiding a clear yes or no.
Etymology
The word "indirection" is a direct borrowing from the Late Latin indirectio, which itself was formed from the Latin components in- (meaning "not") and directio (meaning "a making straight"). The core concept stems from the Latin verb dirigere, "to set straight," from dis- ("apart") and regere ("to guide, rule"). Thus, the literal sense of "indirection" is the state or action of not being straight or direct. Over time, this evolved from a purely physical description to an abstract one, signifying a roundabout method or a lack of straightforwardness. In modern computing, it retains this abstract logic, referring to the process of accessing something not directly but through an intermediate reference.
Analysis
- in: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "not" or "without". - direct: From Latin directus, meaning "straight" or "straightforward". - ion: Latin suffix forming nouns indicating an action, process, or state.