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Definition of abacus

abacus

/ˈæb.ə.kəs/
ab · a · cus
Plural:abacuses
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abacus Lexical Profile

abacus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A manual calculating tool consisting of a frame set with sliding beads on wires or rods, used for performing mathematical functions.

Example

"The merchant quickly tallied the total cost of the market goods using a wooden abacus."

2

The flat, uppermost slab at the top of a classical architectural column capital, upon which the architrave rests.

Example

"The Corinthian columns were topped with an intricately carved abacus that supported the heavy stone beam above."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for abacus

• Nearby Words

aasleagh falls
ab
aback
abacus
abalone
abandon
abandoned

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'abacus', derived from Greek 'abax' (slab, drawing board). This is likely of Semitic origin, related to Hebrew 'abaq' (dust), referring to a board covered in dust or sand historically used for drawing geometric figures and calculating.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Abacus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/abacus
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