calculus

[ kal-kyuh-luhs ]

noun

, plural cal·cu·li [kal, -ky, uh, -lahy], cal·cu·lus·es.

1. Mathematics. a method of calculation, especially one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.
2. Pathology. a stone, or concretion, formed in the gallbladder, kidneys, or other parts of the body.
3. Also called tartar. Dentistry. a hard, yellowish to brownish-black deposit on teeth formed largely through the mineralization of dead bacteria in dental plaques by the calcium salts in salivary secretions and subgingival transudates.
4. calculation; estimation or computation:

   the calculus of political appeal.

calculus

/ ˈkælkjʊləs /

noun

1. a branch of mathematics, developed independently by Newton and Leibniz. Both differential calculus and integral calculus are concerned with the effect on a function of an infinitesimal change in the independent variable as it tends to zero
2. any mathematical system of calculation involving the use of symbols
3. See formal language
   logic an uninterpreted formal system Compare formal language
4. -li-ˌlaɪ pathol a stonelike concretion of minerals and salts found in ducts or hollow organs of the body

calculus

/ kăl′kyə-ləs /

, Plural calculi kăl′kyə-lī′

1. The branch of mathematics that deals with limits and the differentiation and integration of functions of one or more variables.
2. See more at calculus of variations
3. A solid mass, usually composed of inorganic material, formed in a cavity or tissue of the body. Calculi are most commonly found in the gallbladder, kidney, or urinary bladder.
4. Also called stone

calculus

1. The branch of mathematics , usually studied after algebra , that provides a natural method for describing gradual change.

Notes

Most modern sciences use calculus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of calculus¹

1610–20; < Latin: pebble, small stone (used in reckoning), equivalent to calc- (stem of calx stone) + -ulus -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of calculus¹

C17: from Latin: pebble, stone used in reckoning, from calx small stone, counter

Example Sentences

Forget 30 snowboarders with a normal probability distribution — even just three snowboarders with a uniform probability distribution was a challenge, requiring some hefty calculus and order statistics.

From FiveThirtyEight

His school system has been all-virtual since March, and as Jara sees it, mental health should now be factored into the calculus about reopening schools.

From Washington Post

Faced with that calculus, many other pregnant health care workers have chosen to get vaccinated.

From Time

We’re talking about an optional sporting spectacle, not some essential service to -humanity, and when you throw public health into the mix, the calculus can become uncouth pretty quick.

From Time

The pandemic may have changed that calculus, though cuts will be hard to come by.

From Fortune

Hongkongers aren't asking to secede from China, but Beijing's faulty calculus is only alienating the city.

From The Daily Beast

She jumped at the chance to watch RT, or jumped at the chance to skip calculus homework.

From The Daily Beast

Instead the real defining issue—class—does not fit so easily into the current political calculus.

From The Daily Beast

With other emerging allies the calculus is trickier and leaves less margin for error.

From The Daily Beast

Politics also played a role in the calculus of the Arab Muslims who supported ISIS.

From The Daily Beast

Considerable hemorrhages from the bladder may occur in vesical calculus, tuberculosis, and newgrowths.

From Project Gutenberg

You,” said I. “You drive a nail as if it were an abstruse problem in differential calculus.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides these general theorems of formul, what remains in the algebraical calculus is the resolution of equations.

From Project Gutenberg

Then wait till you see him cut for calculus, or perform for hernia.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he dived into differential calculus and philosophical abstrusities.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• algebra
• calculation
• geometry
• math