calculator

American  

[kal-kyuh-ley-ter] / ˈkæl kyəˌleɪ tər /

noun

1. a person who calculates or computes.

2. Also called calculating machine.  a small electronic or mechanical device that performs calculations, requiring manual action for each individual operation.

3. a person who operates such a machine.

4. a set of tables that facilitates calculation.

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calculator British  

/ ˈkælkjʊˌleɪtə /

noun

1. a device for performing mathematical calculations, esp an electronic device that can be held in the hand

2. a person or thing that calculates

3. a set of tables used as an aid to calculations

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calculator Cultural  

1. An electronic device for performing automatic mathematical computations, usually controlled by a keyboard. Some are actually small computers, with limited memory, that allow the user to use simple programs.

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Other Word Forms

• minicalculator noun

Etymology

Origin of calculator

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin; calculate, -tor

Example Sentences

One UC San Diego remedial math tutor observed that “some teachers would teach ‘life skills’ in high school math class, just using calculators, the internet, and prescribed formulas; classes didn’t teach ‘mathematical thinking.’

From The Wall Street Journal

Because of this, depending solely on symptoms and risk calculators can delay detection until meaningful prevention is no longer possible.

From Science Daily

Some personal-finance and insurance sites have rate calculators where you answer a short survey and receive quote estimates.

From MarketWatch

“Spending down your bonds is not only what you can do but what you should do,” says Michael Piper, a financial planner and creator of OpenSocialSecurity.com, a benefits calculator.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pascal was just 19 years old when he developed the earliest version of a calculator, Christie's said.

From BBC