Received: by alpheratz.cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk id VAA17236 (8.6.9/5.3[ref pg@gmsl.co.uk] for cpm.aca.mmu.ac.uk from fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk); Tue, 1 May 2001 21:26:56 +0100 Message-ID: <20010501202313.388.qmail@web10107.mail.yahoo.com> Date: Tue, 1 May 2001 13:23:13 -0700 (PDT) From: Trupeljak Ozren <ozren_trupeljak@yahoo.com> Subject: Re: Information To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk In-Reply-To: <20010501183241.AAA24864@camailp.harvard.edu@[128.103.125.215]> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii Sender: fmb-majordomo@mmu.ac.uk Precedence: bulk Reply-To: memetics@mmu.ac.uk
--- "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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