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calculuses

 - 5 dictionary results

cal⋅cu⋅lus

  [kal-kyuh-luhs]
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–noun, plural -li  [-lahy] , -lus⋅es.
1. Mathematics. a method of calculation, esp. 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. Also called tartar. Dentistry. a hard, yellowish to brownish-black deposit on teeth formed largely through the mineralization of dead bacteria in dental plaques by the calcium salts in salivary secretions and subgingival transudates.
4. calculation; estimation or computation: the calculus of political appeal.
Origin:
1610–20; < L: pebble, small stone (used in reckoning), equiv. to calc- (s. of calx stone) + -ulus -ule
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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cal·cu·lus   (kāl'kyə-ləs)   
n.   pl. cal·cu·li (-lī') or cal·cu·lus·es

  1. Pathology An abnormal concretion in the body, usually formed of mineral salts and found in the gallbladder, kidney, or urinary bladder, for example.

  2. Dentistry See tartar.

  3. Mathematics

    1. The branch of mathematics that deals with limits and the differentiation and integration of functions of one or more variables.

    2. A method of analysis or calculation using a special symbolic notation.

    3. The combined mathematics of differential calculus and integral calculus.

  4. A system or method of calculation: "[a] dazzling grasp of the nation's byzantine budget calculus" (David M. Alpern).


[Latin, small stone used in reckoning; see calculate.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: cal·cu·lus
Pronunciation: -l&s
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural cal·cu·li /-"lI, -"lE/ also -lus·es
1 : a concretion usually of mineral salts around organic material found especially in hollow organs or ducts
2 : aconcretion on teeth : TARTAR
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

calculus cal·cu·lus (kāl'kyə-ləs)
n. pl. cal·cu·lus·es or cal·cu·li (-lī')

  1. 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.

  2. 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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Science Dictionary
calculus   (kāl'kyə-ləs)  Pronunciation Key 
Plural calculi (kāl'kyə-lī') or calculuses

  1. The branch of mathematics that deals with limits and the differentiation and integration of functions of one or more variables. See more at calculus of variations, differential calculus, integral calculus.

  2. A solid mass, usually composed of inorganic material, formed in a cavity or tissue of the body. Calculi are most commonly found in the gallbladder, kidney, or urinary bladder. Also called stone.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
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