abacus

[ab-uh-kuhs, uh-bak-uhs]

noun

plural

abacuses, abaci 

1. a device for making arithmetic calculations, consisting of a frame set with rods on which balls or beads are moved.

2. Architecture.,  a slab forming the top of the capital of a column.

abacus

/ ˈæbəkəs /

noun

1. a counting device that consists of a frame holding rods on which a specific number of beads are free to move. Each rod designates a given denomination, such as units, tens, hundreds, etc, in the decimal system, and each bead represents a digit or a specific number of digits

2. architect the flat upper part of the capital of a column

Word History and Origins

Origin of abacus¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: board, counting board, re-formed < Greek ábax

Word History and Origins

Origin of abacus¹

C16: from Latin, from Greek abax board covered with sand for tracing calculations, from Hebrew ābhāq dust

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