English Lexicon

Indirection

/ˌɪn.daɪˈrɛk.ʃən/
nounCEFR C1 (Advanced)Top #28450 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    The quality or state of being indirect, especially in action, speech, or method.

    "His diplomatic speech was full of carefully chosen indirection."
  2. 2

    In computer science, the ability to reference something indirectly through a name, reference, or container rather than the value itself.

    "Pointers in C provide a powerful mechanism for memory indirection."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the Late Middle English prefix in- (meaning 'not' or 'in') combined with direction, originating from Latin directio, from dirigere ('to align'). Over time, the term evolved from physical deviation to describe abstract concepts such as subtle communication and computer programming mechanics where a reference is used to access data.

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