recursive definition

noun

, Logic.

1. a definition consisting of a set of rules such that by repeated application of the rules the meaning of the definiendum is uniquely determined in terms of ideas that are already familiar.

Word History and Origins

Origin of recursive definition¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

It sounds like a recursive definition but it does settle down.

From Nature

This is achieved by means of a recursive definition facility based on a skeleton compiler with a small set of logical capabilities.

From Project Gutenberg