Maze

Maze

A maze is a complex branching (multicursal) puzzle that includes choices of path and direction, may have multiple entrances and exits, and dead ends. The word is used to refer both to branching tour puzzles through which the solver must find a route, and to simpler non-branching ("unicursal") patterns that lead unambiguously through a convoluted layout to a goal.

History

The term maze dates at least as far back as 1380, and derives from the Middle English word mæs, which itself is from the Old English mæs, which means "delusion, confusion, or embarrassment".

Types of Mazes

Mazes can be categorized into two general types: unicursal and multicursal.

• Unicursal mazes are also known as "labyrinths" and have a single, non-branching path leading to the center of the maze. These mazes are often flat, consisting of a single path, so there are no choices to be made.

• Multicursal mazes, on the other hand, are branching mazes with choices of path and direction. They are more complex and can include underpasses and overpasses.

Uses of Mazes

Mazes have been used for various purposes throughout history. They have been used in gardening, architecture, psychology experiments, and even in computer science for algorithm testing.

See Also

• Labyrinth
• Garden maze
• Maze solving algorithm
• Maze generation algorithm

References

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