Where does “recursion” come from?
Recursion derives from Latin recursio, formed from the prefix re- and the verb root kers- meaning to turn or wind, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European ḱers- and wer-.
recursion (English): The act of recurring; The act of defining an...
Definitions
- The act of recurring; The act of defining an...
Ancestry of “recursion”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Latin | recursiō | The act of running back; backward course, return |
| 2 | Latin | recurrō | to run or hasten back |
| 3 | Latin | rĕ- | back, backwards |
| 4 | Latin | prōdūcō | to lead or bring forth, forward or out |
| 5 | Latin | prō- | forward direction, forward movement |
| 6 | Proto-Italic | *pro- | pro- see the Latin entry for further meanings |
| 7 | Proto-Indo-European | pro- | toward, forward |
| 8 | Proto-Indo-European | por- | to give birth; forward, through; going, passage |
| 9 | Proto-Indo-European | per- | before, in front; first; to go through |
| 10 | Proto-Indo-European | pr̥tós | passed , crossed |