tail call

noun

A function call that is itself the last instruction in a function.

“Tail calls can be implemented without the need for an additional frame on the call stack.”

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Meanings

nountail call (plural tail calls)

plural tail calls

  1. computingA function call that is itself the last instruction in a function.

    Tail calls can be implemented without the need for an additional frame on the call stack.

Translations

Finnish häntäkutsu, loppukutsu
  • häntäkutsufunction call that is itself the last instruction in a function
  • loppukutsufunction call that is itself the last instruction in a function
Japanese 末尾呼び出し
  • 末尾呼び出し (matsubiyobidashi)function call that is itself the last instruction in a function
Cite this entry
APA

tail call. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tail%20call

MLA

“tail call.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tail%20call. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “tail call,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/tail%20call.

Source: tail call on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.