Algol

Algol
Beta Persei, variable star in the constellation Perseus, late 14c., lit. "the Demon," from Arabic al-ghul "the demon" (see ghoul). It corresponds, in modern representations of the constellation, to the gorgon's head Perseus is holding, but it probably was so called because it visibly varies in brightness every three days, which sets it apart from other bright stars. The computer language (1959) is a contraction of algo(rithmic) l(anguage); see algorithm.

ghoul (n.)
1786, in the English translation of Beckford's "Vathek," from Arabic ghul, an evil spirit that robs graves and feeds on corpses, from ghala "he seized."

algorithm (n.)
1690s, from Fr. algorithme, refashioned (under mistaken connection with Gk. arithmos "number") from O.Fr. algorisme "the Arabic numeral system" (13c.), from M.L. algorismus, a mangled transliteration of Arabic al-Khwarizmi "native of Khwarazm," surname of the mathematician whose works introduced sophisticated mathematics to the West (see algebra). The earlier form in Middle English was algorism (early 13c.), from Old French.

Under mistaken connection with Gk. arithmos.

Of Arabic al-Khwarizmi "native of Khwarazm".

Daug žuvies Chorezme.

The Hebrews knew Algol as Rosh ha Satan, Satan's Head, English writer on globes John Chilmead (circa 1639)'s Rosch hassatan, the Divels head; but also as Lilith, Adam's legendary first wife**, the nocturnal vampyre from the lower world that reappeared in the demonology of the Middle Ages as the witch Lilis, one of the characters in Goethe's Walpurgis Nacht.