abacus Definition
- 1a frame with rows of wires or grooves along which beads are slid, used for calculating
- 2a calculating tool that uses sliding beads to perform arithmetic operations
Using abacus: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "abacus" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The abacus was widely used in ancient China and Rome.
Example
She taught her students how to use an abacus to do simple math.
Example
The abacus is still used in some parts of the world today.
abacus Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for abacus
- calculator
- counting frame
Phrases with abacus
Example
We're still on the abacus stage of figuring out the budget.
Example
I'm not going to throw the abacus at you, but we need to figure out what went wrong.
to use one's own body to count instead of using a tool
Example
When I was a child, I used to count on my fingers and toes instead of using an abacus.
Origins of abacus
from Greek 'abax', meaning 'calculating table'
Summary: abacus in Brief
An 'abacus' [ˈæbəkəs] is a calculating tool that uses sliding beads to perform arithmetic operations. It consists of a frame with rows of wires or grooves along which beads are slid. The abacus was widely used in ancient China and Rome and is still used in some parts of the world today. Phrases like 'on the abacus' and 'throw the abacus at someone' use 'abacus' metaphorically to denote the process of calculation or blaming someone for a mistake, respectively.