Algorithm and Tack

noun

• A precise rule (or set of rules) specifying how to solve some problem.
  • synonyms: algorithmic rule, algorithmic program

• (n.) The art of calculating by nine figures and zero.
• (n.) The art of calculating with any species of notation; as, the algorithms of fractions, proportions, surds, etc.

Algorithm is a complex mathematical model. In credit scoring, it is used to compare data in millions of credit reports and predict a person's likelihood to repay debts.

noun

• The heading or position of a vessel relative to the trim of its sails.
• A short nail with a sharp point and a large head.
• Gear for a horse.
  • synonyms: stable gear, saddlery
• Nautical) a line (rope or chain) that regulates the angle at which a sail is set in relation to the wind.
  • synonyms: sheet, mainsheet, weather sheet, shroud
• Nautical) the act of changing tack.
  • synonyms: tacking
• Sailing a zigzag course.

verb

• Fasten with tacks.
  • usage: "tack the notice on the board"
• Turn into the wind.
  • usage: "The sailors decided to tack the boat"; "The boat tacked"
  • synonyms: wear round
• Create by putting components or members together.
  • usage: "She pieced a quilt"; "He tacked together some verses"; "They set up a committee"
  • synonyms: assemble, piece, put together, set up, tack together
• Sew together loosely, with large stitches.
  • usage: "baste a hem"
  • synonyms: baste
• Fix to; attach.
  • usage: "append a charm to the necklace"
  • synonyms: append, tag on, tack on, hang on
• Reverse (a direction, attitude, or course of action. ).
  • synonyms: interchange, switch, alternate, flip, flip-flop

• (v.i.) To change the direction of a vessel by shifting the position of the helm and sails; also (as said of a vessel), to have her direction changed through the shifting of the helm and sails. See Tack, v. t., 4.
• (v.t.) A contract by which the use of a thing is set or let, for hire; a lease.
• (n.) A peculiar flavor or taint; as, a musty tack.
• (n.) A small, short, sharp-pointed nail, usually having a broad, flat head.
• (v.t.) The part of a sail to which the tack is usually fastened; the foremost lower corner of fore-and-aft sails, as of schooners (see Illust. of Sail).
• (v.t.) In parliamentary usage, to add (a supplement) to a bill; to append; -- often with on or to.
• (v.t.) The direction of a vessel in regard to the trim of her sails; as, the starboard tack or port tack; -- the former when she is closehauled with the wind on her starboard side; hence, the run of a vessel on one tack; also, a change of direction.
• (v.t.) Especially, to attach or secure in a slight or hasty manner, as by stitching or nailing; as, to tack together the sheets of a book; to tack one piece of cloth to another; to tack on a board or shingle; to tack one piece of metal to another by drops of solder.
• (v.t.) To change the direction of (a vessel) when sailing closehauled, by putting the helm alee and shifting the tacks and sails so that she will proceed to windward nearly at right angles to her former course.
• (v.t.) To fasten or attach.
• (v.t.) A rope used to hold in place the foremost lower corners of the courses when the vessel is closehauled (see Illust. of Ship); also, a rope employed to pull the lower corner of a studding sail to the boom.
• (v.t.) Confidence; reliance.
• (n.) A stain; a tache.
• (n.) That which is attached; a supplement; an appendix. See Tack, v. t., 3.