What is "algorism"

Algorism \Al"go*rism\, Algorithm \Al"go*rithm\, n. [OE. algorism, algrim, augrim, OF. algorisme, F. algorithme (cf. Sp. algoritmo, OSp. alguarismo, LL. algorismus), fr. the Ar. al-Khow[=a]rezm[=i] of Khow[=a]rezm, the modern Khiwa, surname of Abu Ja'far Mohammed ben Mus[=a], author of a work on arithmetic early in the 9th century, which was translated into Latin, such books bearing the name algorismus. The spelling with th is due to a supposed connection with Gr. ? number.]

1. The art of calculating by nine figures and zero; computation with Arabic figures.

2. the Arabic system of numeration.

   Syn: decimal system

3. The art of calculating with any species of notation; as, the algorithms of fractions, proportions, surds, etc.

n. 1 (obsolete spelling of algorithm English) 2 Computing in, or using, Arabic numerals.

1. n. the Arabic (or decimal) system of numeration

2. computation with Arabic figures

Algorism is the technique of performing basic arithmetic by writing numbers in place value form and applying a set of memorized rules and facts to the digits. One who practices algorism is known as an algorist. This positional notation system largely superseded earlier calculation systems that used a different set of symbols for each numerical magnitude, such as Roman numerals, and in some cases required a device such as an abacus.