Lexic.us

Definition of Abacus

1. Noun. A tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave.

2. Noun. A calculator that performs arithmetic functions by manually sliding counters on rods or in grooves.

Definition of Abacus

1. n. A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc.

Definition of Abacus

1. Noun. (obsolete) A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc. ¹

2. Noun. A calculating table or frame; an instrument for performing arithmetical calculations by balls sliding on wires, or counters in grooves, the lowest line representing units, the second line, tens, etc. ¹

3. Noun. (architecture) The uppermost portion of the capital of a column, immediately under the architrave. ¹

4. Noun. (archaic) A tablet, panel, or compartment in ornamented or mosaic work. ¹

5. Noun. A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated compartments, for holding cups, bottles, or the like; a kind of cupboard, buffet, or sideboard. ¹

¹ Source: wiktionary.com

Definition of Abacus

1. a calculating device [n -CI or -CUSES]

Medical Definition of Abacus

1. 1. A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc. 2. A calculating table or frame; an instrument for performing arithmetical calculations by balls sliding on wires, or counters in grooves, the lowest line representing units, the second line, tens, etc. It is still employed in China. 3. The uppermost member or division of the capital of a column, immediately under the architrave. See Column. A tablet, panel, or compartment in ornamented or mosaic work. 4. A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated compartments, for holding cups, bottles, or the like; a kind of cupboard, buffet, or sideboard. Abacus harmonicus, an ancient diagram showing the structure and disposition of the keys of an instrument. Origin: L. Abacus, abax, Gr. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998)

Lexicographical Neighbors of Abacus

abacks abackward abacost abacot abacs abacterial abacterial thrombotic endocarditis abacterially abactinal abactinally

abaction abactor abactors abaculi abaculus abacus (current term) abacuses abada abadas abade

abaft abafungin abagovomab abagun abaguns abaht abaisance abaisances abaiser abaisers

Literary usage of Abacus

Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:

1. Rainey's Improved Abacus: An Explanatory Treatise on the Theory and Practice by Thomas Rainey (1849)
"IMPROVED abacus. CANCELATION. ALL arithmetical computations are effected by increase and decrease, which depend in their relations, on the converse ..."

2. A Treatise on Shades and Shadows and Linear Perspective by Charles Davies (1832)
"These planes.will intersect the lower circle of the abacus, which casts the ... Through the points of the abacus let' rays of light be drawn—the points in ..."

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