approximation algorithm

from The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (8 July 2008)

approximation algorithm

   <algorithm> An {algorithm} for an {optimisation} problem that
   generates {feasible} but not necessarily {optimal} solutions.

   Unlike "{heuristic}", the term "approximation algorithm" often
   implies some proven worst or average case bound on
   performance.  The terms are often used interchangeably
   however.

   (1997-10-28)