Definition and Etymology of Abacus

1. Definition

What is, Concept or Meaning

n. pl. An abacus is a calculating tool that consists of a frame with wires or rods along which beads are slid. The beads can be moved along the wires to perform mathematical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Abaci are typically used for basic arithmetic and are particularly useful for demonstrating mathematical concepts to students.

In architecture, an abacus is a flat slab or block that sits on top of a capital, which is the topmost part of a column. The abacus serves as a base for the architrave, which is the horizontal beam that sits on top of the column.

The word “abacus” is derived from the Latin word “abacus,” which comes from the Greek word “abax,” meaning “calculating table.” The Greek word “abax” is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word “abak,” which means “dust.” This etymology reflects the fact that early abaci were often made of clay or other materials that could be molded or shaped and that could be easily wiped clean after use.

Abashed predic. Adj. To be abashed is to feel embarrassed or disconcerted, usually as a result of something unexpecte...
Abbé n. (in france). An abbé is a French title that is given to an abbot or a priest. An abbot is a man who is the...

2. Etymology of abacus

The word “abacus” is derived from the Latin word “abacus,” which comes from the Greek word “abax,” meaning “calculating table.” The Greek word “abax” is thought to be derived from the Hebrew word “abak,” which means “dust.” This etymology reflects the fact that early abaci were often made of clay or other materials that could be molded or shaped and that could be easily wiped clean after use.

The abacus has a long history and has been used for centuries as a tool for performing mathematical calculations. It is thought to have originated in ancient Mesopotamia and has been used in many different cultures around the world, including in China, Japan, and Europe.

The word “abacus” has been in use in English for many centuries and has remained relatively unchanged in its spelling and meaning over time. It is a common term that is used to refer to the calculating tool described above, as well as to the flat slab or block that sits on top of a capital in architecture.

adv. On the beam: When something is described as being "abeam," it means ...

prefix. The prefix "Ab-" is a Latin prefix that means "off, away, from." ...

v. (-tt-). The word "abet" is a verb that means to encourage or assist so...

v. Abhor is a verb that means to detest or hate something intensely. It i...

Bibliography ►


Phoneia.com (January 8, 2023). Abacus. Recovered from https://phoneia.com/words/abacus/

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