catamorphism

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UK/ˌkætəˈmɔːfɪzəm/US/ˌkætəˈmɔɹfɪzəm/

noun

A generalization of the folds on lists known from functional programming to arbitrary abstract data types that can be described as initial algebras.

Scrabble 23
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Meanings

nouncatamorphism (plural catamorphisms)

plural catamorphisms

  1. functional programmingA generalization of the folds on lists known from functional programming to arbitrary abstract data types that can be described as initial algebras.

Origin

From cata- (“down”) + morphism.

Full word history & related roots →

Rhymes & wordplay

Rhymes with catamorphism

isomorphismmorphismepimorphismanamorphismanisomorphism
All rhymes →
Cite this entry
APA

catamorphism. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/catamorphism

MLA

“catamorphism.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/catamorphism. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “catamorphism,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/catamorphism.

Source: catamorphism on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.