Napier's bones
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON AFFECT VS. EFFECT!
In effect, this quiz will prove whether or not you have the skills to know the difference between “affect” and “effect.”
Question 1 of 7
The rainy weather could not ________ my elated spirits on my graduation day.
Also called Napier's rods .
Origin of Napier's bones
First recorded in 1650–60; 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, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for Napier's bones
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
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012