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

People should be screened for their risk of cardiovascular disease starting at age 30, using an AHA online calculator called Prevent that measures risk based on a person’s cholesterol, blood pressure, and other indicators.

From The Wall Street Journal

Did you know you can use the calculator on your phone for easy currency conversion?

From The Wall Street Journal

I find my backup calculator in the outer pouch and pull out three sharp number 2 pencils.

From Literature

As everyone put their religion books away and got out calculators and pencils for math, Jessica reached under her seat for her pencil case.

From Literature

You can calculate the estimated minimum annual child-support obligation using this child-support calculator on the New York City Human Resources Administration website.

From MarketWatch