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Napier's bones

noun

, (used with a singular verb)
  1. a form of multiplication table originally marked on sticks of bone or ivory that could be rearranged to carry out the operations of multiplication or division.

Napier's bones

plural noun

  1. a set of graduated rods formerly used for multiplication and division

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Napier's bones1

First recorded in 1650–60; after their developer, J. Napier

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Napier's bones1

C17: based on a method invented by John Napier

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