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calculator

n.
US //ˈkæɫkjəˌɫeɪtɝ// UK //kˈælkjʊlˌeɪtɐ// cal·cu·la·tor
  1. 1 electronic device (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a small electronic device or app that you use to do math problems.

    an electronic device, often handheld, or a software application designed to perform mathematical computations.

    Example

    You can use a calculator during the math exam to check your answers.

    Example

    Modern scientific calculators can handle complex trigonometric functions and statistical analysis that once required mainframe computers.
    • adding machine
  2. 2 a person who calculates (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Archaic

    a person whose job was to do long and difficult math problems before computers existed.

    a person employed to perform mathematical calculations, particularly in the era before electronic computing.

    Example

    In the old days, a calculator was a person who spent all day doing math by hand.

    Example

    Before the advent of digital technology, human calculators were essential for plotting the complex trajectories required for early space flight.
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  1. 3 a schemer (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    a person who carefully plans things to get what they want, often in a cold or selfish way.

    a person who calculates or schemes for personal advantage, often implying a lack of emotion or empathy.

    Example

    He was a cold calculator who only helped people if it benefited him.

    Example

    The protagonist is portrayed as a brilliant but detached calculator, viewing every social interaction as a move in a larger political game.
Origin

In the sense of a person, from Middle English calkelatour (“a mathematician, an astrologer”), borrowed from Latin calculātor, equivalent to calculate + -or. The other meanings arose in Modern English.

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