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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

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

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Calculator. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/calculator
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