calculus
Use Calculus in a sentence
kyə noun, plural cal·cu·li [kal-kyuh-lahy] , cal·cu·lus·es.
[kal-kyuh-lahy] , cal·cu·lus·es. 1.
Mathematics. a method of calculation, especially one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.
2.
Pathology. a stone, or concretion, formed in the gallbladder, kidneys, or other parts of the body.
3.
4.
calculation; estimation or computation: the calculus of political appeal.
Origin:
1610–20; < Latin: pebble, small stone (used in reckoning), equivalent to calc- (stem of calx stone) + -ulus -ule
1610–20; < Latin: pebble, small stone (used in reckoning), equivalent to calc- (stem of calx stone) + -ulus -ule
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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|
Link To calculus
00:10
Calculus
is always a great word to know.
So is pi. Does it mean:
| the letter used as the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, or the ratio itself: 3.141592+ |
| to take one number or quantity from another; deduct |
Collins
World English Dictionary
calculus (ˈkælkjʊləs) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —n , pl -luses, -li | |
| 1. | a branch of mathematics, developed independently by Newton and Leibniz. Both differential calculus and integral calculus are concerned with the effect on a function of an infinitesimal change in the independent variable as it tends to zero |
| 2. | any mathematical system of calculation involving the use of symbols |
| 3. | logic Compare formal language an uninterpreted formal system |
| 4. | pathol a stonelike concretion of minerals and salts found in ducts or hollow organs of the body |
| [C17: from Latin: pebble, stone used in reckoning, from calx small stone, counter] | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History
calculus
1660s, from L. calculus "reckoning, account," originally "pebble used as a reckoning counter," dim. of calx (gen. calcis) "limestone" (see chalk). Modern mathematical sense is a shortening of differential calculus. Also used from 1732 to mean "concretion occurring accidentally
in the animal body," such as dental plaque, kidney stones, etc.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary
calculus cal·cu·lus (kāl'kyə-ləs)
n. pl. cal·cu·lus·es or cal·cu·li (-lī')
An abnormal concretion in the body, usually formed of mineral salts and most commonly found in the gallbladder, kidney, or urinary bladder. Also called stone.
Dental tartar.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
| calculus (kāl'kyə-ləs) Pronunciation Key
Plural calculi (kāl'kyə-lī') or calculuses
|
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary
calculus definition
The branch of mathematics, usually studied after algebra, that provides a natural method for describing gradual change.
Note: Most modern sciences use calculus.
The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Example sentences
In the calculus of global warming, natural gas is generally considered to be preferable to coal as a fuel.
More important, the political calculus could easily misfire.
The proper calculus is weighing benefit versus cost.
He hired a tutor to teach him calculus so that he could better understand physics.
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