abacus
aba·cus
noun \ˈa-bə-kəs, ə-ˈba-\ plural aba·ci \ˈa-bə-ˌsī, -ˌkē; ə-ˈba-ˌkī\ or aba·cus·es
Definition of ABACUS
1
: an instrument for performing calculations by sliding counters along rods or in grooves
2
: a slab that forms the uppermost member or division of the capital of a column
Origin of ABACUS
Latin, from Greek abak-, abax, literally, slab
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
abacus
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Calculating instrument that uses beads that slide along a series of wires or rods set in a frame to represent the decimal places. Probably of Babylonian origin, it is the ancestor of the modern digital calculator. Used by merchants in the Middle Ages throughout Europe and the Arabic world, it was gradually replaced by arithmetic based on Hindu-Arabic numerals. Though rarely used in Europe past the 18th century, it is still used in the Middle East, China, and Japan.
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