Storing the value of an expression in a variable. This is commonly written in the form "v = e". In Algol the assignmeNT operator was ":=" (pronounced "becomes") to avoid mathematicians qualms about writing statemeNTs like x = x+1. AssignmeNT is not allowed in functional languages, where an ideNTifier always has the same value. See also refereNTial transparency, single assignmeNT, zero assignmeNT. (1996-08-19)