abacus

[ ab-uh-kuhs, uh-bak-uhs ]

noun

, plural ab·a·cus·es, ab·a·ci [ab, -, uh, -sahy, -kahy, uh, -, bak, -ahy].

1. a device for making arithmetic calculations, consisting of a frame set with rods on which balls or beads are moved.
2. Architecture. a slab forming the top of the capital of a column.

abacus

/ ˈæbəkəs /

noun

1. a counting device that consists of a frame holding rods on which a specific number of beads are free to move. Each rod designates a given denomination, such as units, tens, hundreds, etc, in the decimal system, and each bead represents a digit or a specific number of digits
2. architect the flat upper part of the capital of a column

Word History and Origins

Origin of abacus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: board, counting board, re-formed < Greek ábax

Word History and Origins

Origin of abacus¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek abax board covered with sand for tracing calculations, from Hebrew ābhāq dust

Example Sentences

Recently, a lovely and well-meaning friend texted me one of those trending articles that make you want to trade your smartphone for an abacus and never speak of the internet again.

From New York Times

For example, you can add numbers perfectly using an abacus, in which wooden beads are pushed back and forth to represent arithmetic operations.

From Science Daily

The floating ships in the fantasy role-playing game Honkai: Star Rail are populated with traders, gourmets and literati who surf their texts on jade abacuses.

From New York Times

Ms Truss, a former Treasury minister, accused her old department of promoting an "abacus economics" and insisted there needed to be a greater focus on stimulating economic growth.

From BBC

With an abacus and a slide rule, earlier helpmeets, you had to know something of the mathematical process.

From Washington Post

Related Words

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• PC
• personal computer