Definition of Algol

1. Noun. The second brightest star in Perseus; the first known eclipsing binary.

Generic synonyms: Binary, Binary Star, Double Star
Group relationships: Perseus

2. Noun. (from a combination of ALGOrithmic and Language); a programming language used to express computer programs as algorithms.
Generic synonyms: Algebraic Language

Definition of Algol

1. n. A fixed star, in Medusa's head, in the constellation Perseus, remarkable for its periodic variation in brightness.

Definition of Algol

1. Proper noun. (computing) A high-level programming language mostly used for solving mathematical and scientific problems. ¹

2. Proper noun. (star) An eclipse eclipsing binary star in the constellation of Perseus; Beta (?) Persei. It represents the eye of Medusa, whose head is being held by Perseus. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Medical Definition of Algol

1. A fixed star, in Medusa's head, in the constellation Perseus, remarkable for its periodic variation in brightness. Origin: Ar. Al-ghl destruction, calamity, fr. Ghala to take suddenly, destroy. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Algol

alginite
alginites
alginitic
alginolytic
algins
algiomotor
algiomuscular
algiovascular
alglucerase
algodonite
algodystrophy
algogenesis
algogenic
algoid
algoid cell
algol (current term)
algolagniac
algolagniacs
algolagnias
algolagnic
algological
algologies
algologist
algologists
algology
algometer
algometers
algometric
algometrical

Literary usage of Algol

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Proceedings of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1867)
"If we ascribe these variations of light to a dark opaque body revolving about algol, and suppose the mass of algol to be equal to that of our sun, ..."

2. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh by Royal Society of Edinburgh (1904)
"There has recently been discovered at the Royal Observatory, Cape Town, an interesting star of the algol type of variation, thus making in all ten such ..."

3. Summarized Proceedings ... and a Directory of Members (1867)
"We cannot ascribe these variations of brightness to the flattened form of algol, or to dark spots upon its surface, for in such a case the duration of ..."

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