- pro|gram
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–n.1. a list of items or events set down in order with a list of the performers. There are concert programs, theater programs, and programs of meetings.2. the items making up an entertainment: »
The entire program was delightful.
3. a plan of what is to be done: »a schooprogram, a business program, a government program. On top of a big military program they have piled a large capital investment program (Newsweek).
4. a set of instructions outlining the steps to be performed in a specific operation by an electronic computer or other automatic machine.5. (in programmed instruction) a series of statements and questions to each of which a student is required to respond before he can go on to the next and usually more difficult level.6. Obsolete. a public notice.7. Obsolete. a prospectus; syllabus.–v.t.1. to arrange or enter in a program: »She had no discernible talent…for the Chopin works she programmed (New York Times).
2. to draw up a program or plan for: »Today's farmer has numerous choices in programming his year's activities (Wall Street Journal).
3. to prepare a set of instructions for (a computer or other automatic machine): »General-purpose computers now on the market can be programmed to do translation (Scientific American).
4. to arrange (information) in a series of statements and questions in a sequence suitable for programmed instruction.5. to cause to follow any planned sequence of steps or operations; to direct, control, or channel in accordance with a plan, schedule, or code: »Insects possess a biological clock that programs…the insect's growth, reproduction, and dormant periods (James A. Pearre).
6. to arrange programmed instruction for (a teaching machine, textbook, or computer).–v.i.1. to construct a sequence of steps or operations, as for a computer: »The ability to write a computer program will become as widespread as the ability to drive a car. Not knowing how to program will be like living in a house full of servants and not speaking their language (Scientific American).
2. to follow a prearranged plan, schedule, scheme, or code: »It is broadly hinted by the casework staff [in the penitentiary] that if the inmate “programs,” the U.S. Board of Parole will look more favorably at his case (Atlantic).
Useful english dictionary. 2012.
