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Definition of calculator

calculator

/ˈkæl.kjə.leɪ.tɚ/
cal · cu · la · tor
Plural:calculators
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calculator Lexical Profile

calculator Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A small electronic or mechanical device used for performing mathematical operations.

Example

"Students are permitted to use a graphing calculator during the advanced algebra exam."

2

A software program or digital application designed to process numerical data or perform specific financial and mathematical functions.

Example

"You can use the online mortgage calculator to estimate your monthly house payments based on current interest rates."

3

A person who performs mathematical calculations, especially as an occupation prior to the widespread availability of electronic computing machines.

Example

"Before the digital age, engineering firms hired rooms full of human calculators to manually compute structural load tables."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for calculator

• Rhymes for calculator

• Nearby Words

calculatingly
calculation
calculative
calculator
calculus
calcutta
caledon

Word Origin & Etymology

From Latin 'calculator' (teacher of arithmetic, reckoner), derived from 'calculus' (a small stone or pebble used for counting) combined with the agent suffix '-or'.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

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