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

The connection could make certain physics computations—especially in turbulence, percolation, and black hole theory—significantly more tractable, giving researchers cleaner analytical tools where brute-force numerical simulations are often the only option. —Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Dec. 2025

Reasoning involves running a series of computations that might take extra time in response to requests to produce better answers. —Jordan Novet, CNBC, 2 Dec. 2025

Memristors are often used in chips that both perform computations and store data. —Perri Thaler, IEEE Spectrum, 27 Nov. 2025

Cryptology is the science and practice of designing computation and communication systems that remain secure in the presence of adversaries. —ArsTechnica, 22 Nov. 2025

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