calculus

cal·cu·lus

noun \-ləs\

plural cal·cu·li\-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ also cal·cu·lus·es

Definition of CALCULUS

1

a : a method of computation or calculation in a special notation (as of logic or symbolic logic)

b : the mathematical methods comprising differential and integral calculus —often used with the

2

: calculation

3

a : a concretion usually of mineral salts around organic material found especially in hollow organs or ducts

b : ¹tartar 2

4

: a system or arrangement of intricate or interrelated parts

Examples of CALCULUS

1. <by my calculus the more efficient air conditioner will have paid for itself within a span of five years>

Origin of CALCULUS

Latin, stone (used in reckoning)

First Known Use: 1666

Related to CALCULUS

Synonyms

arithmetic, calculation, ciphering, computation, figures, figuring, math, mathematics, number crunching, numbers, reckoning

Related Words

addition, division, multiplication, subtraction; calibration, measurement, mensuration; appraisal, assessment, estimation, evaluation, valuation

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

cal·cu·lus

noun \-ləs\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; cal·cu·li \-ˌlī, -ˌlē\ (audio pronunciation)also ; cal·cu·lus·es

Medical Definition of CALCULUS

1

: a concretion usually of mineral salts around organic material found especially in hollow organs or ducts

2

: a concretion on teeth : tartar

calculus

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Field of mathematics that analyzes aspects of change in processes or systems that can be modeled by functions. Through its two primary tools—the derivative and the integral—it allows precise calculation of rates of change and of the total amount of change in such a system. The derivative and the integral grew out of the idea of a limit, the logical extension of the concept of a function over smaller and smaller intervals. The relationship between differential calculus and integral calculus, known as the fundamental theorem of calculus, was discovered in the late 17th century independently by Isaac Newton and Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz. Calculus was one of the major scientific breakthroughs of the modern era.