Abacus

Pronunciation

• RP IPA: /ˈæb.É™.kÉ™s/, /əˈbæk.É™s/, rarely IPA: /əˈbÉ‘k.É™s/
• GenAm IPA: /ˈæb.É™.kÉ™s/, /əˈbæk.É™s/, rarely IPA: /əˈbÉ‘k.É™s/

Origin

From Latin abacus, abax; from Ancient Greek ἄβαξ (abaks, "board covered with sand"), possibly from Hebrew אבק (āvāq, "dust").

Full definition of abacus

Noun

1. (obsolete) A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc. Attested from around 1350 (1387) until around 1470.

1. A calculating table or frame; an instrument for performing arithmetical calculations by balls sliding on wires, or counters in grooves, the lowest line representing units, the second line, tens, etc. First attested in the late 17^th century.

1. I've heard merchants still use an abacus for adding things up in China.
2. (architecture) The uppermost portion of the capital of a column, immediately under the architrave. First attested in the mid 16^th century.
3. A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated compartments, for holding cups, bottles, or the like; a kind of cupboard, buffet, or sideboard. First attested in the late 18^th century.

Derived terms

• abacus harmonicus

Related terms

• abacist