adding machine

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

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of adding machine¹

An Americanism dating back to 1870–75

Example Sentences

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

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One person asked for the entire recount of a contested state Supreme Court race from 2020 — a very long paper record resembling an adding machine tape that took days for one employee to copy.

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

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He made ends meet by repairing typewriters and adding machines.

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

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