non-algorithmic procedure

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

heuristic
non-algorithmic procedure

   1. <programming> A rule of thumb, simplification, or educated
   guess that reduces or limits the search for solutions in
   domains that are difficult and poorly understood.  Unlike
   {algorithms}, heuristics do not guarantee optimal, or even
   {feasible}, solutions and are often used with no theoretical
   guarantee.

   2. <algorithm> {approximation algorithm}.

   (2001-04-12)