heuristic

As an adjective, heuristic (pronounced from the Greek "heuriskein" meaning "to discover") pertains to the process of gaining knowledge or some desired result by intelligent guesswork rather than by following some preestablished formula. (Heuristic can be contrasted with algorithmic.)

a heuristic is a specific rule-of-thumb or argument derived from experience

by DL September 13, 2004

heuristic

based on wild guesswork, and prone to error

That problem is too hard, let's just make a heuristic for it.

by glor8 August 5, 2016

heuristic

a heuristic process or method.

the study and use of heuristic techniques.

Bill did that heuristically

by eaitsinagay January 2, 2021

Heuristic

Larger than expected

Oh Mike! It’s heuristic!

by anonymous March 1, 2025

Heuristic Algorithm

A learning or discovering technique based on experience. Or, a way to try something new (like a new position), based on what you already know. If you know what I mean...

-"Sheila and I are going to go work out some serious Heuristic Algorithms tonight."

-"I find this solution to your Heuristic Algorithm really painful."

-"You should try Dave's Heuristic Algorithm! It's got some really intense solutions!"

by Exuat October 5, 2010

availability heuristic

A type of heuristic (mental shortcut, as opposed to algorithm) that involves using the most mentally immediate information.

Alternatively, a shortcut in mate selection in which one chooses whoever happens to be available.

I fell prey to my availability heuristic in deciding which restaurant to go to. Subway again, I guess.

by Ebrbfureh September 4, 2016

Woeber heuristic

In order to ease the cognitive load of decision-making related to the consumption of luxury goods and services one may apply the Woeber heuristic by inquiring the cost of all available alternative and selecting the most lavish option.

P1: "Should I order the Wagyu Rib Eye or the Argentinian Tomahawk?"

P2: Just use the Woeber heuristic and choose the more expensive one!

by DonJulioDerKonsumVogel August 30, 2019