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Napier's bones
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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 1650ā60; after their developer, J. Napier
Words nearby Napier's bones
napier, napier grass, Napier-Hastings, Napierian, Napierian logarithm, Napier's bones, napiform, napkin, napkin ring, Naples, Naples yellow
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Ā© Random House, Inc. 2022
How to use Napier's bones in a sentence
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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