forward-backward algorithm

noun

An inference algorithm for hidden Markov models which computes the posterior marginals of all hidden state variables given a sequence of observations/emissions. It uses dynamic programming to compute the values in two passes, the first going forward in time and the second backward.

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Meanings

nounforward-backward algorithm (plural forward-backward algorithms)

plural forward-backward algorithms

  1. An inference algorithm for hidden Markov models which computes the posterior marginals of all hidden state variables given a sequence of observations/emissions. It uses dynamic programming to compute the values in two passes, the first going forward in time and the second backward.
  2. Any algorithm belonging to the general class that operate on sequence models in a forward-backward manner.
Cite this entry
APA

forward-backward algorithm. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/forward-backward%20algorithm

MLA

“forward-backward algorithm.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/forward-backward%20algorithm. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “forward-backward algorithm,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/forward-backward%20algorithm.

Source: forward-backward algorithm on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.