English Explanatory Dictionary

calculator

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A mechanical or electronic device that performs mathematical calculations; (now usually) an electronic one specifically.
  2. A person who performs mathematical calculation.
  3. A person who calculates (in the sense of scheming).
  4. A set of mathematical tables.

Pronunciation

/ˈkæl.kjə.leɪ.tə(ɹ)/ /kæl.kjə.leɪ.tɚ/ [ˈkʰæɫ.kjəˌleɪ̯.ɾɚ] en-us-calculator.ogg

Word forms

calculator calculators

Etymology

In the sense of a person, from Middle English calkelatour (“a mathematician, an astrologer”), borrowed from Latin calculātor, equivalent to calculate + -or. The other meanings arose in Modern English.

Synonyms

electronic calculator computer reckoner schemer plotter manipulator ready reckoner

Related words

calculate ready reckoner slide rule table

Derived words

calculatorlike cowculator electronic calculator graphics calculator graphing calculator human calculator mental calculator minicalculator pocket calculator scientific calculator
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