base case

noun

The part of a recursive definition or algorithm that is not defined in terms of itself.

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Meanings

nounbase case (plural base cases)

plural base cases

  1. The part of a recursive definition or algorithm that is not defined in terms of itself.
  2. The basis in mathematical induction, showing that a statement holds when n is equal to the lowest value that n is given in the question (usually 0 or 1).
Cite this entry
APA

base case. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/base%20case

MLA

“base case.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/base%20case. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “base case,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/base%20case.

Source: base case on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.