Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

best first search
     
         A {graph} search {algorithm} which optimises
        {breadth first search} by ordering all current paths according
        to some {heuristic}.  The heuristic attempts to predict how
        close the end of a path is to a solution.  Paths which are
        judged to be closer to a solution are extended first.
     
        See also {beam search}, {hill climbing}.
     
        (1995-12-09)