Re: Information

From: Trupeljak Ozren (ozren_trupeljak@yahoo.com)
Date: Tue May 01 2001 - 21:23:13 BST

  • Next message: Wade T.Smith: "Re: Information"

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    Date: Tue, 1 May 2001 13:23:13 -0700 (PDT)
    From: Trupeljak Ozren <ozren_trupeljak@yahoo.com>
    Subject: Re: Information
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    --- "Wade T.Smith" <wade_smith@harvard.edu> wrote:

    >
    > But, well, here's my dictionary- in none of these definitions could one
    > insert the word 'algorithm' or 'computer program' in place of 'pattern',
    > as far as I can see.
    >
    > pattern n.
    > 1.a. A model or an original used as an archetype. b. A person or thing
    > considered worthy of imitation.
    > 2. A plan, diagram, or model to be followed in making things.
    > 3. A representative sample; a specimen.
    > 4.a. An artistic or decorative design. b. A design of natural or
    > accidental origin.
    > 5. A consistent, characteristic form, style, or method, as: a. A
    > composite of traits or features characteristic of an individual or a
    > group. b. Form and style in an artistic work or body of artistic works.
    > 6.a. The configuration of gunshots upon a target that is used as an
    > indication of skill in shooting. b. The distribution and spread, around a
    > targeted region, of spent shrapnel, bomb fragments, or shot from a
    > shotgun.
    > 7. Enough material to make a complete garment.
    > 8. A test pattern.
    > 9. The flight path of an aircraft about to land.
    >
    > - Wade
    >

    Hmmm, I could not resist checking out what some other dictionaries say..

    Meriam-Webster thesaurus:

    Entry Word: pattern
    Function: noun
    Text: 1
    Synonyms MODEL 2, archetype, beau ideal, ensample, example, exemplar, ideal,
    mirror, paradigm, standard
    Related Word original
    2
    Synonyms FIGURE 3, design, device, motif, motive
    Related Word patterning
    3
    Synonyms ORDER 8, method, orderliness, plan, system
    Related Word arrangement, constellation

    (in this case, synonims seem to be what Robin was refering to as the meaning of
    patter)

    Merriam-Webster dictionary:

    Main Entry: 1pat·tern
    Pronunciation: 'pa-t&rn
    Function: noun
    Etymology: Middle English patron, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin
    patronus
    Date: 14th century
    1 : a form or model proposed for imitation : EXEMPLAR
    2 : something designed or used as a model for making things <a dressmaker's
    pattern>
    3 : a model for making a mold into which molten metal is poured to form a
    casting
    4 : an artistic, musical, literary, or mechanical design or form
    5 : a natural or chance configuration <frost pattern> <the pattern of events>
    6 : a length of fabric sufficient for an article (as of clothing)
    7 a : the distribution of shrapnel, bombs on a target, or shot from a shotgun b
    : the grouping made on a target by bullets
    8 : a reliable sample of traits, acts, tendencies, or other observable
    characteristics of a person, group, or institution <behavior pattern> <spending
    pattern>
    9 a : the flight path prescribed for an airplane that is coming in for a
    landing b : a prescribed route to be followed by a pass receiver in football
    10 : TEST PATTERN
    11 : a discernible coherent system based on the intended interrelationship of
    component parts <foreign policy patterns>
    12 : frequent or widespread incidence <a pattern of dissent>
    synonym see MODEL
    - pat·terned /-t&rnd/ adjective
    - pat·tern·less adjective
     
     
    (meanings: 1, 2, 4, and especially 11 seem to be rather close to what Robin was
    reffering to, and significantly different from Wade's interpretaions)

    more from M-W:

    Main Entry: 2pattern
    Date: circa 1586
    transitive senses
    1 dialect chiefly English a : MATCH b : IMITATE
    2 : to make, adapt, or fashion according to a pattern
    3 : to furnish, adorn, or mark with a design
    intransitive senses : to form a pattern
     
    (obvious, isn't it? ;)

    Oxford dictionary says:

    Pattern
    pat-tern ['p&tn] n. & v. --n. 1 a repeated decorative design on wallpaper,
    cloth, a carpet, etc. 2 a regular or logical form, order, or arrangement of
    parts (behaviour pattern; the pattern of one's daily life). 3 a model or
    design, e.g. of a garment, from which copies can be made. 4 an example of
    excellence; an ideal; a model (a pattern of elegance). 5 a wooden or metal
    figure from which a mould is made for a casting. 6 a sample (of cloth,
    wallpaper, etc.). 7 the marks made by shots, bombs, etc. on a target or target
    area. 8 a random combination of shapes or colours. --v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by
    after, on) model (a thing) on a design etc. 2 decorate with a pattern. /pattern
    bombing bombing over a large area, not on a single target. [ME patron (see
    PATRON): differentiated in sense and spelling since the 16th-17th c.]

    (meanings 2, 3, 4 seem relevant)

    Ozren (who likes meaning #7. :)

    =====
    There are very few man - and they are exceptions - who are able to think and feel beyond the present moment.

    Carl von Clausewitz

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