Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

abaculus

noun
abac·u·lus | \ə-ˈba-kyə-ləs\
plural abaculi\ə-ˈba-kyə-ˌlī, -ˌlē \

Definition of abaculus 

: a tile used in mosaic : tessera

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

First Known Use of abaculus

1844, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for abaculus

misreading of Latin ab oculīs “out of view,” as if diminutive of abacus abacus

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about abaculus

Dictionary Entries near abaculus

abactinal

abactor

a baculo

abaculus

abacus

Abadan

a bad crowd

Statistics for abaculus

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for abaculus

The first known use of abaculus was in 1844

See more words from the same year

Comments on abaculus

What made you want to look up abaculus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

superjacent

lying above or upon

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

  • the-triumph-of-venus-by-alessandro-magnasco
  • Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games