Algol

¹

[ al-gol, -gawl ]

noun

1. a star of the second magnitude in the constellation Perseus: the first known and most famous eclipsing binary star.

ALGOL

²

[ al-gol, -gawl ]

Computers.

1. a computer language in which information is expressed in algebraic notation and according to the rules of Boolean algebra.

Algol

¹

/ ˈælɡɒl /

noun

1. the second brightest star in Perseus, the first known eclipsing binary. Visual magnitude: 2.2–3.5; period: 68.8 hours; spectral type (brighter component): B8V

Algol

²

/ ˈælɡɒl /

noun

1. a computer programming language designed for mathematical and scientific purposes; a high-level language

Word History and Origins

Origin of Algol¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Arabic, equivalent to al the + ghūl ghoul; as translation of Greek (Ptolemy) gorgónion the head of the Gorgon Medusa, held by Perseus

Origin of Algol²

1955–60; algo(rithmic) l(anguage)

Word History and Origins

Origin of Algol¹

C14: from Arabic al ghūl the ghoul

Origin of Algol²

C20 alg ( orithmic ) o ( riented ) l ( anguage )

Example Sentences

To Goodricke, however, is due the rediscovery of Algol's variability.

From Project Gutenberg

It is an Algol star in that its light remains constant between the eclipses.

From Project Gutenberg

It might therefore be supposed that we have here a star of the Algol or Beta Lyr type.

From Project Gutenberg

This dark star sometimes comes between Algol and the observer and cuts off the light.

From Project Gutenberg

Roberts, in South Africa, has done splendid work on the periods of variables of the Algol type.

From Project Gutenberg