abacus

noun aba·cus \ ˈa-bə-kəs , ə-ˈba- \

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Definition of abacus

plural abaci play \ˈa-bə-ˌsī, -ˌkē; ə-ˈba-ˌkī\ or abacuses

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

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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.

Illustration of abacus

Origin and Etymology of abacus

Latin, from Greek abak-, abax, literally, slab

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 14th century

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

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

Financial Definition of ABACUS

abacus

noun

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.