Added 7 October 2026
abacus
/ˈæb.ə.kəs/ noun
In Latin: abacus, abax Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about abacus at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave.
- A calculator that performs arithmetic functions by manually sliding counters on rods or in grooves.
Origin
From Late Middle English abacus, abagus, agabus (“abacus; art of counting with an abacus”), from Latin abacus, abax (“sideboard or table with a slab at the top; slab at the top of a column; counting board, sand table; board for playing games”) (compare Late Latin abacus (“art of arithmetic”)), from Ancient Greek ἄβαξ (ábax, “slab, counting board; board covered with sand for drawing; plate; dice-board”). Doublet of abaque and abac. The plural form abaci is reinforced from Latin abacī.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)