computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən 

-pyü-

1

a

: the act or action of computing : calculation

b

: the use or operation of a computer

2

: a system of reckoning

3

: an amount computed

computational

ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-sh(ə-)nəl 

-pyü-

adjective

computationally adverb

Synonyms of computation

• calculation
• math
• arithmetic

Examples of computation in a Sentence

methods used for the computation of taxes

The solution required a series of computations.

Recent Examples on the Web

Just like laptops, cars depend on microprocessors and RAM, or random-access memory, to run all of their computations. — Matteo Wong, The Atlantic, 19 Aug. 2026

TPUs belong to the class of chips known as AI accelerators, which are tailored to perform the mathematical computations that underpin generative AI models. — Kevin Stankiewicz,jeff Marks, CNBC, 19 Aug. 2026

Instead of bringing biology into electronic systems, researchers are starting to put computation directly into living systems. — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Aug. 2026

The findings reveal how much computation might be happening within a single neuron of a living being. — Ajdina Halilovic, Scientific American, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Rhymes for computation

• abdication
• aberration
• abjuration
• abnegation
• abrogation
• acceptation
• acclamation
• acclimation
• accusation
• activation
• actuation
• acylation

Kids Definition

computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act or action of computing : calculation

2

: a system of calculating especially by mathematical means

3

: an amount computed

computational

-shnəl 

-shən-ᵊl

adjective