adj. & n.
--adj.
1. allowing or assisting to discover.
2 Computing proceeding to a solution by trial and error.
--n.
1. the science of heuristic procedure.
2 a heuristic process or method.
3 (in pl., usu. treated as sing.) Computing the study and use of heuristic techniques in data processing.
Phrases and idioms:
heuristic method a system of education under which pupils are trained to find out things for themselves.
Derivatives:
heuristically adv.
Etymology: irreg. f. Gk heurisko find