Calculator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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calculator
[หkalkjสหleษชtษr ]
Definition
digital device
A calculator is a small electronic device used for performing mathematical calculations. It typically has buttons for numbers and functions such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Calculators come in various forms, including handheld calculators, scientific calculators, and graphing calculators.
Synonyms
adding machine, arithmometer, computing device.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| calculator |
Used in everyday situations, schools, offices, and homes to perform basic to complex mathematical computations.
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| computing device |
A broad term that can refer to any electronic device capable of performing computations, including modern computers, smartphones, tablets, and dedicated calculators.
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| adding machine |
Often found in older offices or for accounting tasks that require printing a physical record of transactions, mainly for addition and subtraction.
|
| arithmometer |
A historical calculating device used during the 19th and early 20th centuries, mostly for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.
|
Examples of usage
- Can you pass me the calculator so I can figure out this math problem?
- She used a calculator to quickly determine the total cost of the items.
- The calculator displayed an error message when dividing by zero.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- The first mechanical calculators were invented in the 17th century, like Blaise Pascal's 'Pascaline'.
- By the 20th century, electronic calculators began to appear, revolutionizing how people did math.
- In the 1970s, pocket-sized calculators became popular, making math accessible to everyone.
Science
- Calculators can perform complex calculations, including trigonometry and statistics, which are used in science and engineering.
- They often use a binary number system inside, translating your inputs into calculations that a computer can process.
- Advanced calculators can even solve equations symbolically, much like how a human would do algebra.
Pop Culture
- Many movies feature characters who are great at math, often using calculators as a sign of their intelligence.
- In popular games, high scores are sometimes calculated using a combination of scores, times, and levels, showcasing the power of quick math.
- Famous inventions like smartphones often include calculators, highlighting their importance in everyday life and tech.
Origin of 'calculator'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'calculator' comes from the Latin word 'calculare', which means 'to count'.
- It was first recorded in English in the late 15th century, originally referring to a person who calculates.
- The term evolved to refer to mechanical and later electronic devices designed for performing calculations.
The word 'calculator' originated from the Latin word 'calculare', which means 'to reckon' or 'to calculate'. The first mechanical calculator was invented in the 17th century by Blaise Pascal. Over the years, calculators have evolved from simple devices to sophisticated electronic gadgets used for various mathematical tasks.
See also: calculable, calculated, calculating, calculatingly, calculation, calculations, calculus, incalculable, miscalculate, miscalculated.