noun
Other Word Forms
- computational adjective
- computative adjective
- computatively adverb
- miscomputation noun
- noncomputation noun
- recomputation noun
Etymology
Origin of computation
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin computātiōn-, stem of computātiō, from computāt(us) “reckoned” (past participle of computāre “to reckon, sum up”; compute ) + -iō -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If computers can replicate many aspects of reasoning, language and decision-making without exhibiting clear signs of awareness, that fact alone may reveal that consciousness is something more than computation.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
"You can solve real physics problems with brain-like computation," Aimone said.
From Science Daily • Feb. 14, 2026
It could have a significant impact on the cost of computation.
From Barron's • Jan. 9, 2026
"This work shows that chemistry can be an architect of computation, not just its supplier," says Sreebrata Goswami, Visiting Scientist at CeNSE and co-author on the study who led the chemical design.
From Science Daily • Jan. 3, 2026
When Langley sponsored a series of computation courses to be held after work and on weekends, Dorothy wasted no time enrolling.
From "Hidden Figures" by Margot Lee Shetterly
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
