ENGLISH
REFERENCE

calculator

n. countable
A2 Elementary US //ˈkæɫkjəˌɫeɪtɝ// UK //kˈælkjʊlˌeɪtɐ// cal·cu·la·tor Archaic

n. a small electronic device that you use to do math problems like adding or multiplying. You can also find this as an app on your phone or computer.

n. an electronic device or software application used for performing mathematical calculations. While historically referring to a person who performed computations, the modern sense refers exclusively to the digital tool.


SIMPLE

I used a calculator to check my math homework.

CONTEXTUAL

The teacher allowed the students to use a scientific calculator during the final physics exam.

COMPLEX

Modern graphing calculators can plot complex equations and perform statistical analysis, making them essential tools for advanced engineering students and researchers alike.

Synonyms
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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