calculus

[kal-kyuh-luhs]

noun

plural

calculi, calculuses 

1. Mathematics.,  a method of calculation, especially one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.

2. Pathology.,  a stone, or concretion, formed in the gallbladder, kidneys, or other parts of the body.

3. Also called tartar. Dentistry.,  a hard, yellowish to brownish-black deposit on teeth formed largely through the mineralization of dead bacteria in dental plaques by the calcium salts in salivary secretions and subgingival transudates.

4. calculation; estimation or computation.

   the calculus of political appeal.

calculus

/ ˈkælkjʊləs /

noun

1. a branch of mathematics, developed independently by Newton and Leibniz. Both differential calculus and integral calculus are concerned with the effect on a function of an infinitesimal change in the independent variable as it tends to zero

2. any mathematical system of calculation involving the use of symbols

3. logic an uninterpreted formal system Compare formal language

4. pathol a stonelike concretion of minerals and salts found in ducts or hollow organs of the body

calculus

plural

calculi 

1. The branch of mathematics that deals with limits and the differentiation and integration of functions of one or more variables.

2. See more at calculus of variations differential calculus integral calculus

3. A solid mass, usually composed of inorganic material, formed in a cavity or tissue of the body. Calculi are most commonly found in the gallbladder, kidney, or urinary bladder.

4. Also called stone

calculus

1. The branch of mathematics, usually studied after algebra, that provides a natural method for describing gradual change.

Most modern sciences use calculus.

Word History and Origins

Origin of calculus¹

1610–20; < Latin: pebble, small stone (used in reckoning), equivalent to calc- (stem of calx stone) + -ulus -ule

Word History and Origins

Origin of calculus¹

C17: from Latin: pebble, stone used in reckoning, from calx small stone, counter

Example Sentences

But even with the school’s infrastructure behind him, the experience of playing the Playfair exists outside any practical career calculus; it marks an inflection point, a rare chance to inhabit history while shaping it.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Higher shipping costs could change the economic calculus for some oil exporters, prompting them to sell to the domestic market instead—threatening a further impact on global oil supply.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Most people would have returned to teaching calculus to hungover sophomores, but Simons doubled down.

Read more on MarketWatch

The team also examined dental calculus to further reconstruct his diet.

Read more on Science Daily

While acknowledging that momentum is extremely challenging and there may be more downside to come, Deutsche Bank thinks the risk-reward calculus is disproportionate at present levels.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• algebra 
• calculation 
• geometry 
• math