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 the relentless rise of gold—and indeed, mining stocks—appears to have changed the calculus on Wall Street.

Read more on Barron's

This was Hamas’s calculus during the Biden administration—holding out until Israel caved, or the international community forced it to.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

U.S. and European officials said Putin hasn’t changed his calculus in the war despite staggering Russian military losses and is still pushing to take Ukrainian territory.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But soaring gold prices are helping change that calculus, he said—especially given how financially strapped many Americans feel.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

But because the results can be pretty close, and the calculus is so dependent on an individual’s circumstances and views, buying a home isn’t the clear-cut path to wealth that it once was.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• algebra 
• calculation 
• geometry 
• math