tree
<mathematics, data> A directed acyclic graph; i.e. a graph wherein there
is only one route between any pair of nodes, and there is a notion of "toward
top of the tree" (i.e. the root node), and its opposite direction, toward the
leaves. A tree with n nodes has n-1 edges.
Although maybe not part of the widest definition of a tree, a common constraint
is that no node can have more than one parent. Moreover, for some applications,
it is necessary to consider a node's daughter nodes to be an ordered list,
instead of merely a set.
As a data structure in computer programs, trees are used in everything from
B-trees in databases and file systems, to game trees in game theory, to syntax
trees in a human or computer languages.
(1998-11-12)
Nearby terms:
traversal « traverse « trawl « tree »
tree-killer » TREET » TREETRAN
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