iteration
UK[ˌɪtəˈreɪʃn]US[ˌɪtəˈreɪʃn]
n
The process of repeating a set of operations or steps.
n
A single repetition of such a process; a version.
Morpheme Breakdown
iter
ation
iter
again
ation
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'iteration' originates from the Latin verb 'iterare', meaning 'to repeat', which itself is derived from 'iterum' (again). This Latin root can be traced further back to the Proto-Indo-European i-tero-, a comparative form meaning 'more' or 'further', inherently suggesting a return or a next step. The suffix '-ation' was added to form a noun describing the action or process. Thus, the literal meaning "the process of doing again" evolved into the modern abstract concepts of repetitive cycles in computation, design, and mathematics.
Analysis
Structure: iter (again) + ation (noun suffix)
- iter: From Latin 'iterum', meaning 'again'. It functions as the core root conveying repetition.
- ation: A suffix of Latin origin ('-atio', '-ationis') used to form nouns indicating an action or process.
Examples
The software is improved with each new iteration.
We are currently working on the fifth iteration of the prototype.
The solution was found through a process of trial and error and multiple iterations.