Added 9 October 2026
calculus
/ˈkæl.kjʊ.ləs/ noun
In Latin: lapillus, calculus Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about calculus at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
-
A hard lump produced by the concretion of mineral salts; found in hollow organs or ducts of the body.
renal calculi can be very painful
- An incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums.
- The branch of mathematics that is concerned with limits and with the differentiation and integration of functions.
Origin
* Borrowed from Latin calculus (“a pebble or stone used as reckoning counters in abacus”), diminutive of calx (“limestone”) + -ulus. * Mathematical topic is from differential calculus.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)