Abacus (Noun)
Meaning 1
A calculator that performs arithmetic functions by manually sliding counters on rods or in grooves.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- Her grandmother taught her basic arithmetic using an ancient abacus passed down through generations of their family.
- As the power went out, the store clerk grabbed an abacus to continue making change for customers.
- The museum exhibit featured an intricately carved abacus from 18th-century China.
- She struggled with mental math, so her teacher suggested she practice with an abacus to build confidence.
- The math whiz used an abacus to quickly solve complex arithmetic problems in the competition.
Hypernyms
Meaning 2
A tablet placed horizontally on top of the capital of a column as an aid in supporting the architrave.
Classification
Nouns denoting man-made objects.
Examples
- The abacus was typically a square stone slab placed on top of the column to help distribute the weight of the architrave.
- Architects often designed the abacus to be proportionate to the size and style of the column it supported.
- In some ancient Greek temples, the abacus featured intricate carvings that complemented the overall decorative scheme.
- The stone carver carefully shaped the abacus to ensure a snug fit with the architrave it was meant to support.
- During the restoration of the ancient column, the missing abacus was carefully reconstructed to match the original design.