gensym

library /jen'sim/ (From the MacLISP for "generated

symbol") To invent a new name for something temporary, in

such a way that the name is almost certainly not in conflict

with one already in use.

The canonical form of a gensym is "Gnnnn" where nnnn

represents a number; any LISP hacker would recognise G0093

(for example) as a gensym. Gensymmed names are useful for

storing or uniquely identifying crufties.

[Jargon File]

(1999-10-31)