heu·ris·tic / hyoōˈristik/ • adj. enabling a person to discover or learn something for themselves: a “hands-on” or interactive heuristic approach to learning. ∎  Comput. proceeding to a solution by trial and error or by rules that are only loosely defined.• n. a heuristic process or method. ∎  (heuristics) [usu. treated as sing.] the study and use of heuristic techniques.DERIVATIVES: heu·ris·ti·cal·ly adv.

heuristic A “rule of thumb”, based on domain knowledge from a particular application, that gives guidance in the solution of a problem. Unlike algorithms, heuristics cannot have proven performance bounds owing to their open-ended dependence on specific application knowledge; an example is `if the sky is cloudy then carry an umbrella.' Heuristics may thus be very valuable most of the time but their results or performance cannot be guaranteed.

heuristic serving to find out. XIX. irreg. f. Gr. heuriskein find; see -ISTIC.