Calculator: Definition, Uses, and Examples

Meaning 1：electronic math device (Calculator)

Calculator 🔊

/ˈkælkjʊleɪtər/

A small electronic device that helps you do math problems quickly, like adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.

Student using calculator to check math homework answers

electronic math device 🔊

➕

/ɪˌlekˈtrɒnɪk mæθ dɪˈvaɪs/

A small electronic tool that automatically performs arithmetic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, allowing users to quickly solve mathematical problems.

📁 Category：Technological Inventions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'calculare' (to count) + '-or' (agent noun suffix)

💡 Mnemonic

'Calc' in calculator reminds you of 'calculate' - both start with 'calc'.

📖 Example

Before my math test, I double-checked my calculator to make sure the batteries were full. 🔊 I verified that my calculator had fully charged batteries prior to the math exam.

🔗 Collocations

use a calculator – operate a calculator to perform calculations

scientific calculator – a specialized calculator for advanced functions like trigonometry and logarithms

calculator app – a software version of a calculator on a smartphone or computer

🔄 Synonyms

adding machine (n.) – a mechanical device that performs addition and subtraction

computer (n.) – an electronic device that can perform calculations and process data

abacus (n.) – a manual counting tool using beads on rods

🚫 Antonyms

mental arithmetic (n.) – the process of performing calculations in one's mind without any device

🌱 Derivatives

calculate (v.) – to determine a number using mathematical processes

calculation (n.) – the result or process of computing

calculus (n.) – a branch of mathematics dealing with change and motion

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'calculator' derives from Latin 'calculus' meaning small stone used for counting. The first electronic calculator, the 'Cal Tech', was developed in the 1960s.