CALCULATOR

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does calculator mean? 

• CALCULATOR (noun)
  The noun CALCULATOR has 2 senses:

1. an expert at calculation (or at operating calculating machines)

2. a small machine that is used for mathematical calculations; can be mechanical or electronic

  Familiarity information: CALCULATOR used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• CALCULATOR (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

An expert at calculation (or at operating calculating machines)

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Synonyms:

calculator; computer; estimator; figurer; reckoner

Hypernyms ("calculator" is a kind of...):

expert (a person with special knowledge or ability who performs skillfully)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "calculator"):

adder (a person who adds numbers)

number cruncher (someone able to perform complex and lengthy calculations)

actuary; statistician (someone versed in the collection and interpretation of numerical data (especially someone who uses statistics to calculate insurance premiums))

subtracter (a person who subtracts numbers)

Derivation:

calculate (make a mathematical calculation or computation)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A small machine that is used for mathematical calculations; can be mechanical or electronic

Classified under:

Nouns denoting man-made objects

Synonyms:

calculating machine; calculator

Hypernyms ("calculator" is a kind of...):

machine (any mechanical or electrical device that transmits or modifies energy to perform or assist in the performance of human tasks)

Hyponyms (each of the following is a kind of "calculator"):

abacus (a calculator that performs arithmetic functions by manually sliding counters on rods or in grooves)

adder (a machine that adds numbers)

adding machine; totaliser; totalizer (a calculator that performs simple arithmetic functions)

counter; tabulator (a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens)

hand calculator; pocket calculator (a calculator small enough to hold in the hand or carry in a pocket)

Napier's bones; Napier's rods (a set of graduated rods formerly used to do multiplication and division by a method invented by John Napier)

quipu (calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords; used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records)

subtracter (a machine that subtracts numbers)

Derivation:

calculate (make a mathematical calculation or computation)

 Context examples 

For context, a typical solar-powered calculator uses about 5 microwatts, so they would need a sheet of infrared rectennas slightly larger than a standard piece of paper to power a calculator.

(Harvesting Electrical Power from Waste Heat, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

Within a couple of minutes, the liquid revived the bacteria, which produced enough electrons to power a light-emitting diode and a calculator.

(New Type of Battery Created from Paper, Fueled by Bacteria, The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

The transistor consists of micrometric and nanoscale parts, and can process information in infinitely smaller scales of time, space and energy than do current transistors, such as the ones used in the average calculator.

(Transistor that mimics neurons developed, SciDev.Net)

However, it can lead to the development of a platform for the manufacture of super-compact calculators and other electronic equipment that need to have memory intrinsically linked to the transistor itself, or incorporate features at nanoscale without requiring an additional memory unit.

(Transistor that mimics neurons developed, SciDev.Net)