Algol

¹ American  

[al-gol, -gawl] / ˈæl gɒl, -gɔl /

noun

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

---

ALGOL ² American  

[al-gol, -gawl] / ˈæl gɒl, -gɔl /

Computers.

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

---

Algol ¹ British  

/ 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 British  

/ ˈælɡɒl /

noun

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

---

Etymology

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)

Example Sentences

Normally, Algol is a fairly bright star, but at intervals of 2 days, 20 hours, 49 minutes, it fades to one-third of its regular brightness.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

The eclipsing binary Algol drops from maximum to minimum brightness in about 4 hours, remains at minimum brightness for 20 minutes, and then takes another 4 hours to return to maximum brightness.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

This all followed the exquisite experience of learning Algol using punch cards through the Michigan Terminal System running on Amdahl computers.

From Forbes • Nov. 30, 2014

They also measured the changing light of stars such as Algol, and speculated that the regular dimming of Algol's light might have been caused by eclipses due to a "dark body," perhaps even a planet.

From BBC • Dec. 18, 2012

Algol, the ship's cat, prudently took sanctuary behind her, then peered out to see what was going on and whether there was likely to be anything in it for him.

From Collector's Item by Smith, Evelyn E.