Abacus

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Definition: Abacus


Abacus

Quick Summary of Abacus


An ancient device used for performing arithmetic calculations; by sliding beads along rods or within grooves.




What is the dictionary definition of Abacus?

Dictionary Definition


An Abacus is an ancient device used for performing arithmetic calculations; by sliding beads along rods or within grooves.

Despite the widespread use of electronic calculators and modern computers, the abacus is still a widely used tool within the Far East.


Full Definition of Abacus


The abacus (plural abaci or abacuses), also called a counting frame, is a calculating tool that was in use in the ancient Near East, Europe, China, and Russia, centuries before the adoption of the written Hindu–Arabic numeral system.


Examples of Abacus in a sentence


The abacus was the precursor of the modern electronic calculator.
He gave her an abacus, explained the basic principles, and showed her how to make her trick work even better.
The abacus is the ancestor of the modern PCs.
The abacus is still in use today in many parts of China.
Some banks in remote parts of Asia still use make use of abacuses.
Do you know how to use an abacus?


Synonyms For Abacus


calculator, adding machine, abaco, computer, calculating frame


Abacus FAQ's


What is an abacus?

An abacus is a computation tool that performs mathematical functions by sliding counters along rods or grooves. The abacus can compute roots up to the cubic degree in addition to the basic functions of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

Is the abacus still used today?

The abacus is still used by retailers in Asia and in North American “Chinatowns” today. The abacus is still taught in Asian institutions and a few Western ones. Blind children are taught to utilise the abacus, whereas sighted children are trained to make arithmetic with paper and pencil.


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Definition Sources


Definitions for Abacus are sourced/syndicated and enhanced from:

  • A Dictionary of Economics (Oxford Quick Reference)
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Accounting
  • Oxford Dictionary Of Business & Management

This glossary post was last updated: 27th January, 2022 | 0 Views.