https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=lcsmith_other https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&con... > We have coined

https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&context=lcsmith_other https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1012&con... > We have coined the word “meta-circular” to indicate the basic character of this interpreter: It defines each feature of the defined language by using the corresponding feature of the defining language. > For example, when eval is applied to an application expression (lambda expression, conditional expression, recursive let expression) of the defined language, it evaluates an application expression (lambda expression, conditional expression, recursive let expression) in the defining language. > Similarly, the initial environment defines the basic functions of the defined language in terms of the same functions in the defining language. I have no idea why the author thought "meta-circular" was a useful name. I think the weird name has hindered students of interpreted languages like LISP.