subroutine

[ suhb-roo-teen ]

noun

, Computers.

1. an instruction sequence in a machine or assembly language program that can be prewritten and referred to as often as needed. Compare procedure ( def 4a ).

subroutine

/ ˈsʌbruːˌtiːn /

noun

1. a section of a computer program that is stored only once but can be used when required at several different points in the program, thus saving space Also calledprocedure

Word History and Origins

Origin of subroutine¹

First recorded in 1945–50; sub- + routine

Example Sentences

And yes, I now fear that some distant corporate subroutine will begin inundating me with ads for dating sites.

From New York Times

The building of organs and structures, Lewis concluded, is encoded by master-regulatory “effector” genes that work like autonomous units or subroutines.

From Literature

We meet “Sylv.ie” fresh out of the box, so to speak, as she boots up and runs through the imprinting subroutines that accommodate her to the purchaser Husband.

From Washington Post

Electronic systems make it too easy to add a subroutine that asks clinicians to collect just a little more data.

From Scientific American

The course also shows you how to define and manage variables, set up subroutines and even create functions — you'll also explore the PivotTable object and basic approaches to utilizing it.

From Salon