What does recompute mean?
To recompute is to make a calculation or determination again, usually because the data, assumptions, method, or surrounding conditions have changed. The word is especially common in mathematics, computing, science, engineering, and finance, where an outdated result may need to be replaced with one based on revised inputs. In everyday speech, it is often interchangeable with recalculate, although recompute can suggest a systematic, often automatic, repetition of the same procedure. For example, a spreadsheet may recompute totals after an entry changes, while a navigation system may recompute a route when traffic conditions alter. The prefix re- makes the meaning especially clear: the calculation is being performed again rather than simply recalled, retrieved, or reviewed. Recompute is therefore particularly useful when describing the repeated updating of results in a process.
verbTo calculate or determine something again, especially after an input, result, or method has changed. In computing, it refers to performing the calculation anew rather than using a previously stored result.
- To calculate or determine something again, especially after an input, result, or method has changed.
- In computing, to perform a calculation anew rather than retrieve or reuse a previously stored result.
"The system automatically recomputes the total whenever the shipping address changes."
"After correcting the measurement, the researchers recomputed the model."
"The spreadsheet recomputes the monthly totals whenever a new transaction is entered."
"The application can recompute the route when traffic conditions change."
From spreadsheets to spacecraft trajectories, recompute turns a changed input into a fresh answer.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does recompute come from?
Recompute was formed in English by combining the prefix re-, meaning again, with compute. Compute comes through French from Latin computare, a verb associated with counting or calculating. Several English words, including account, count, and discount, also trace their histories to Latin computare, while computer developed from the same broad calculating tradition.
Related word forms
How recompute is actually used
The word is especially common in technical and formal contexts, including mathematics, computing, finance, and engineering. It is generally transitive, although it can also be used intransitively when the calculation is understood.
Easily confused with recompute
Recompute usually means to calculate again using the same general process, whereas recalculate can emphasize repeating a calculation because it has changed or was initially incorrect.
Recompute performs a calculation again, while recompile translates source code into an executable form again.