Skip to main content

calculator — An electronic device used to perform mathematical calculations

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: An electronic device used to perform mathematical calculations

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈkælkjəleɪtər/

Example Sentences

  • My calculator battery died right before the final exam - talk about bad timing!
  • She's so good at math, she's basically a human calculator.
  • The accountant always keeps a calculator on his desk for quick calculations.

calculator

NOUN

[/ˈkælkjəleɪtər/]

An electronic device used to perform mathematical calculations

a focused student holds a sleek electronic calculator while looking at a complex math worksheet. She presses buttons on the calculator's keypad as numbers appear on its digital display screen. The calculator quickly processes the mathematical equations and shows the results. The student writes down the answers from the calculator onto her test paper with a relieved smile. Other students around her also use their own calculators to solve difficult problems.  an electronic device being used to perform mathematical calculations
💡 Concept

a focused student holds a sleek electronic calculator while looking at a complex math worksheet. She presses buttons on the calculator's keypad as numbers appear on its digital display screen. The calculator quickly processes the mathematical equations and shows the results. The student writes down the answers from the calculator onto her test paper with a relieved smile. Other students around her also use their own calculators to solve difficult problems. an electronic device being used to perform mathematical calculations

Trust your calculator to set the regulator!
🎵 Rhyme

Trust your calculator to set the regulator!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈkælkjəleɪtər/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈkælkjʊleɪtə/

🌳Etymology

Rootcalculate
Suffix--or

Origin

The word derives from Latin 'calculare' (to calculate), which in turn comes from 'calculus' meaning a small stone or pebble. The Romans used small stones for counting and performing arithmetic, giving rise to this term for mathematical reckoning.

Breakdown

calculate (to reckon) + -or (agent/instrument suffix), where calculate itself derives from Latin calculus (stone used for counting).

🎵Rhyme

ulator
ulator
regulator

🔗Collocations

pocket calculator
scientific calculator
use a calculator
calculator function
graphing calculator

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

“My calculator battery died right before the final exam - talk about bad timing!”

😄 Fun example

“She's so good at math, she's basically a human calculator.”

“The accountant always keeps a calculator on his desk for quick calculations.”

“Modern smartphones have built-in calculator apps that are more powerful than old computers.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.