deterministic

1. probability Describes a system whose time evolution can

be predicted exactly.

Contrast probabilistic.

2. algorithm Describes an algorithm in which the correct

next step depends only on the current state. This contrasts

with an algorithm involving backtracking where at each point

there may be several possible actions and no way to chose

between them except by trying each one and backtracking if it

fails.

(1995-09-22)