abacus (άβακας, אבקוס)

1. Latin-Greek-Hebrew. Architectural term referring to a flat slab on top of a capital, i.e. the uppermost part of a column. 回

2. Latin-Greek-Hebrew. A device for making mathematical calculations, especially in the past. It consists of an usually wooden frame with bars along which beads are slid for calculating (fig.). In Latin such a bead is called a calculus, meaning a ‘small stone’. Hence, the etymological origin of the word ‘calculator’. Sometimes spelled abacas. See also Chinese abacus. 回