Dictionary
abacus
noun aba·cus \ˈa-bə-kəs, ə-ˈba-\
: a device used for counting and calculating by sliding small balls or beads along rods or in grooves
plural aba·ci \ˈa-bə-ˌsī, -ˌkē; ə-ˈba-ˌkī\ or aba·cus·es
Full 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
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Illustration of ABACUS
Origin of ABACUS
Latin, from Greek abak-, abax, literally, slab
First Known Use: 14th century
Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms
ABACUS Defined for Kids
abacus
noun aba·cus \ˈa-bə-kəs\
plural aba·ci \ˈa-bə-ˌsī\ or aba·cus·es
Definition of ABACUS for Kids
: an instrument for doing arithmetic by sliding counters along rods or in grooves
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