to determine by calculation; reckon; calculate: to compute the period of Jupiter's revolution.
2.
to determine by using a computer or calculator.
–verb (used without object)
3.
to reckon; calculate.
4.
to use a computer or calculator.
5.
Informal. to make sense; add up: His reasons for doing that just don't compute.
–noun
6.
computation: outer space that is vast beyond compute.
Origin: 1375–1425 for earlier sense; 1580–90 for def. 6;(v.) < L computāre, equiv. to com-com-+ putāre to think; (n.) late ME < MF < LL computus calculation, number, n. deriv. of computāre;cf. putative, count1
com·pute (kəm-pyōōt') v.
com·put·ed, com·put·ing, com·putes
v.
tr.
To determine by mathematics, especially by numerical methods: computed the tax due. See Synonyms at calculate.
To determine by the use of a computer.
v.
intr.
To determine an amount or number.
To use a computer.
Informal To be reasonable, plausible, or consistent; make sense: Your alibi doesn't compute.
n. Computation: amounts beyond compute.
[French computer, from Old French, from Latin computāre : com-, com- + putāre, to reckon; see pau-2 in Indo-European roots. N., Late Latin computus, from Latin computāre, to compute.] com·put'a·bil'i·ty n., com·put'a·ble adj.
[kuh
m-pyoot] 
verb, -put⋅ed, -put⋅ing, noun