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computing

[kuh

m-pyoo-ting]

Origin

noun

the use of a computer to process data or perform calculations.

the act of calculating or reckoning.

Origin:
1640–50; compute + -ing¹

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Computing is always a great word to know.

So is quincunx. Does it mean:

an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.

a fool or simpleton; ninny.

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Dictionary.com Unabridged

verb (used with object)

to determine by calculation; reckon; calculate: to compute the period of Jupiter's revolution.

to determine by using a computer or calculator.

verb (used without object)

to reckon; calculate.

to use a computer or calculator.

Informal. to make sense; add up: His reasons for doing that just don't compute.

noun

computation: outer space that is vast beyond compute.

Origin:
1375–1425 for earlier sense; 1580–90 for def. 6; (v.) < Latin computāre, equivalent to com- com- + putāre to think; (noun) late Middle English < Middle French < Late Latin computus calculation, number, noun derivative of computāre; compare putative, count¹

Related forms

com·put·a·ble, adjective

com·put·a·bil·i·ty, noun

com·put·a·bly, adverb

com·put·ist

[kuh

m-pyoo-tist, kom-pyoo-] , noun

mis·com·pute, verb, -put·ed, -put·ing.

EXPAND

pre·com·pute, verb, -put·ed, -put·ing.

re·com·pute, verb (used with object), -put·ed, -put·ing.

un·com·put·a·ble, adjective

un·com·put·a·ble·ness, noun

un·com·put·a·b·ly, adverb

un·com·put·ed, adjective

COLLAPSE

Synonyms
1. estimate, count, figure.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Link To computing

Collins

World English Dictionary

computing (kəmˈpjuːtɪŋ)

—n
1.	the activity of using computers and writing programs for them
2.	the study of computers and their implications

—*adj*
3.	of or relating to computers: computing skills

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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Etymonline

Word Origin & History

compute

1630s, from Fr. computer, from L. computare "to count, sum up," from com- "with" + putare "to reckon," orig. "to prune" (see pave).

FOLDOC

Computing Dictionary