'algorithm' originates from the Latin word 'algorismus', which was derived from the name of the Persian mathematician 'Al-Khwarizmi', who wrote a book on arithmetic and algebra.

'algorismus' transformed into the Old French word 'algorisme', and eventually became the modern English word 'algorithm'.

Initially, it referred to the decimal number system, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a step-by-step procedure for calculations.