Napier's bones
noun (used with a singular verb) Mathematics.
a form of multiplication table originally marked on sticks of bone or ivory that could be rearranged to carry out the operations of multiplication or division.
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Also called Napier's rods.
Origin of Napier's bones
First recorded in 1650–60; after their developer, J. Napier
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
British Dictionary definitions for napier's bones
Napier's bones
pl n
a set of graduated rods formerly used for multiplication and division
Word Origin for Napier's bones
C17: based on a method invented by John Napier
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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