select

select

[si′lekt]

(computer science)

To choose a needed subroutine from a file of subroutines.

To take one alternative if the report on a condition is of one state, and another alternative if the report on the condition is of another state.

To pull from a mass of data certain items that require special attention; selection of individual cards is accomplished automatically by either the sorter or collator, according to the type of selection.

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Scientific & Technical Terms, 6E, Copyright © 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.