calculus
UK /ˈkæl.kjʊ.ləs/ · US /ˈkæl.kjə.ləs/ noun
Forms calculi calculuses
- noun (dated, countable) Calculation; computation.
- noun (countable, mathematics) Any formal system in which symbolic expressions are manipulated according to fixed rules. “lambda calculus”
- noun (uncountable, often definite, the calculus) Differential calculus and integral calculus considered as a single subject. “I took calculus in high school.”
- noun (countable, medicine) A stony concretion that forms in a bodily organ.
- noun (uncountable, dentistry) Deposits of calcium phosphate salts on teeth.
- noun (countable) A decision-making method, especially one appropriate for a specialised realm.
Synonyms
ciphering reckoning calculation computation computing supputation infinitesimal calculus analysis mathematical analysis stone dental calculus tartar concretion tophus
Etymology
* Borrowed from Latin calculus (“a pebble or stone used as reckoning counters in abacus”), diminutive of calx (“limestone”) + -ulus.
* Mathematical topic is from differential calculus.
Webster’s 1913
- noun Any solid concretion, formed in any part of the body, but most frequent in the organs that act as reservoirs, and in the passages connected with them; as, biliary calculi; urinary calculi, etc.
- noun A method of computation; any process of reasoning by the use of symbols; any branch of mathematics that may involve calculation.
Etymology [L, calculus. See Calculate, and Calcule.]
Sources: Wiktionary · WordNet 3.0 · Webster’s 1913 — from the Wiktionary entry “calculus”, CC BY-SA 4.0. Details