calculator
- 01 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.
Simple“You can use a calculator during the math exam to check your answers.”
In context“Modern scientific calculators can handle complex trigonometric functions and statistical analysis that once required mainframe computers.”
Synonymsadding machine - 02 C2 Proficiency
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.
Simple“In the old days, a calculator was a person who spent all day doing math by hand.”
In context“Before the advent of digital technology, human calculators were essential for plotting the complex trajectories required for early space flight.”
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
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.
Simple“He was a cold calculator who only helped people if it benefited him.”
In context“The protagonist is portrayed as a brilliant but detached calculator, viewing every social interaction as a move in a larger political game.”
Synonymsschemerstrategist
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.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.