WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

linear programming
    n 1: a mathematical technique used in economics; finds the
         maximum or minimum of linear functions in many variables
         subject to constraints

The Free On-line Dictionary of Computing (30 December 2018):

linear programming

    A procedure for finding the maximum or minimum
   of a linear function where the arguments are subject to
   linear constraints.  The simplex method is one well known
   algorithm.

   (1995-04-06)