recursive.

Using a rule or operation that refers back to itself or repeats on the results of earlier applications.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• recursive function
• recursive structure

On the page

A recursive routine searched each nested directory.

The model built a recursive pattern of corridors within corridors.

Usage notes

Primary category: sci-fi. Forms: Normally non-gradable as a structural classification. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings.