Simulation - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Simulation :  (noun)
1: (computer science) the technique of representing the real world by a computer program; "a simulation should imitate the internal processes and not merely the results of the thing being simulated" [syn: computer simulation]
2: the act of imitating the behavior of some situation or some process by means of something suitably analogous (especially for the purpose of study or personnel training)
3: representation of something (sometimes on a smaller scale) [syn: model]
4: the act of giving a false appearance; "his conformity was only pretending" [syn: pretense, pretence, pretending, feigning]

Based on WordNet 2.0

Simulation : \Sim`u*la"tion\, n. [F. simulation, L. simulatio.] The act of simulating, or assuming an appearance which is feigned, or not true; -- distinguished from dissimulation, which disguises or conceals what is true.

Syn: Counterfeiting; feint; pretense.

Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

SIMULATION, French law. This word is derived from the Latin simul, together. It indicates, agreeably to its etymology, the concert or agreement of two or more persons to give to one thing the appearance of another, for the purpose of fraud. Merl. Repert. h.t. 2. With us such act might be punished by indictment for a conspiracy; by avoiding the pretended contract; or by action to recover back the money or property which may have been thus fraudulently obtained.

Based on Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [Bouvier_Law_Dictionary]:

Simulation : 

Attempting to predict aspects of the behaviour of some system by creating an approximate (mathematical) model of it. This can be done by physical modelling, by writing a special-purpose computer program or using a more general simulation package, probably still aimed at a particular kind of simulation (e.g. structural engineering, fluid flow). Typical examples are aircraft flight simlators or electronic circuit simulators. A great many simulation languages exist, e.g. Simula.

See also emulation, Markov chain.

Usenet newsgroup: news:comp.simulation.

(1995-02-23)



Based on Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856) [Bouvier_Law_Dictionary]:
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