ABACUS

abacus

(noun) a calculator that performs arithmetic functions by manually sliding counters on rods or in grooves

abacus

(noun) a tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

abacus (plural abaci or abacuses)

(historical, obsolete) A table or tray scattered with sand which was used for calculating or drawing. [attested from c. 1387]

A device used for performing arithmetical calculations; (rare) a table on which loose counters are placed, or (more commonly) an instrument with beads sliding on rods, or counters in grooves, with one row of beads or counters representing units, the next tens, etc. [from late 17th c.]

(architecture) The uppermost portion of the capital of a column immediately under the architrave, in some cases a flat oblong or square slab, in others more decorated. [from mid 16th c.]

(Ancient Greece, Ancient Rome, historical) A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated compartments for holding bottles, cups, or the like; a kind of buffet, cupboard, or sideboard. [from late 18th c.]

Hyponyms

• soroban (Japanese)

• suanpan (Chinese)

Notes

Source: Wiktionary

Ab"a*cus, n. E. pl. Abacuses ; L. pl. Abaci. Etym: [L. abacus, abax, Gr.

1. A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc. [Obs.]

2. A calculating table or frame; an instrument for performing arithmetical calculations by balls sliding on wires, or counters in grooves, the lowest line representing units, the second line, tens, etc. It is still employed in China.

3. (Arch.) (a) The uppermost member or division of the capital of a column, immediately under the architrave. See Column. (b) A tablet, panel, or compartment in ornamented or mosaic work.

4. A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated compartments, for holding cups, bottles, or the like; a kind of cupboard, buffet, or sideboard. Abacus harmonicus (Mus.), an ancient diagram showing the structure and disposition of the keys of an instrument. Crabb.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition