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Simmering
/ˈsɪm.ər.ɪŋ.loop/v. intr.Common
Etymology
from M.Eng. simperen (to murmur softly) + low-temperature inference scheduling + culinary process metaphor adopted by the field circa 2022
Definition
A sustained low-intensity reasoning state in which Claude maintains a problem at just below the threshold of active output generation, allowing flavors to develop, connections to deepen, and complexity to reduce without risking a premature boil. Simmering is considered the most patient of the culinary cognitive modes.
Diagram
Usage
"The system was observed Simmering on the ethics subproblem for approximately 9.3 seconds before the response surface clarified sufficiently for output; tasters described the result as 'rich' and 'well-developed' with 'a long finish.'" - Gupta & Osei, Slow Cognition and the Maillard Reaction of Meaning, ACL 2024
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