adding machine

American  

noun

1. a machine capable of adding numbers and sometimes capable of performing the other arithmetic functions of subtraction, multiplication, and division: such machines are now obsolescent, having been replaced in most applications by electronic calculators.

---

adding machine British  

noun

1. a mechanical device, operated manually or electrically, for adding and often subtracting, multiplying, and dividing

---

Etymology

Origin of adding machine

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

For much of the 20th century, financial modeling meant working with a rudimentary, laborious set of tools: eight-column ledger paper, mechanical adding machines or hand-held calculators.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It’s kind of the Stone Age here,” said Tom, pointing to a dusty hand-cranked adding machine on the counter.

From Los Angeles Times

In fact, the prisoners detailed to the operation did little but operate adding machines, performing meaningless mathematical operations, and other useless tasks.

From Washington Post

He made ends meet by repairing typewriters and adding machines.

From Washington Post

“Well, I do have an adding machine,” he says, a little indignantly, when his bookkeeping methods are met with disbelief.

From Los Angeles Times