abacus

noun

aba·cus | \ ˈa-bə-kəs

, ə-ˈba-

plural abaci\ ˈa-bə-ˌsī

, -ˌkē ; ə-ˈba-ˌkī

\ or abacuses

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

Did You Know?

Probably of Babylonian origin, an abacus is a calculating instrument that uses beads that slide along a series of wires or rods set in a frame to represent the decimal places. 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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Last Updated

23 May 2019

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The first known use of abacus was in the 14th century

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abacus

noun

Financial Definition of abacus

What It Is

An abacus is a counting device that performs basic mathematical functions.

How It Works

The abacus is believed to have been developed in the ancient Near East in the third millennium BCE. An abacus consists of a series of thin parallel bars set into a rectangular frame, usually made of wood. Each bar contains a number of beads that slide along its length. Individuals use the beads as number counters and use the abacus to perform addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Why It Matters

The abacus has been in continuous use since its conception. It is still widely used in Far Eastern cultures including China and Japan.

Source: Investing Answers

abacus

noun