Abacus

Pronunciation: /ˈæbəkəs/

Definitions of abacus

noun a manual computing device with beads or disks that can be moved up and down on rods or in grooves

Example Sentences

A1 An abacus is a counting tool with beads on rods.

A2 Children in some cultures learn to do math using an abacus.

B1 The abacus was widely used before the invention of calculators.

B2 Using an abacus can improve mental math skills and concentration.

C1 Historians believe the abacus originated in ancient Mesopotamia.

C2 Some people collect antique abacuses as a hobby.

Examples of abacus in a Sentence

formal The teacher demonstrated how to use the abacus to perform complex calculations.

informal I found an old abacus in my grandparents' attic and decided to try using it.

slang I'm so bad at math, I might as well be using an abacus!

figurative She used the abacus of her mind to carefully weigh her options before making a decision.

Grammatical Forms of abacus

• plural: abacuses
• comparative: more abacus
• superlative: most abacus
• present tense: use abacus
• future tense: will use abacus
• perfect tense: have used abacus
• continuous tense: is using abacus
• singular: abacus
• positive degree: abacus
• infinitive: to use abacus
• gerund: using abacus
• participle: used abacus

Origin and Evolution of abacus

First Known Use: 1601 year

Language of Origin: Greek

Story behind the word: The word 'abacus' originated from the Greek word 'abax' which means 'calculating board'.

Evolution of the word: The word 'abacus' has evolved to refer to a specific calculating tool with beads or stones on rods, used for mathematical calculations.