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abacus

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abacus

Main Entry:: aba·cus
Pronunciation:: \ˈa-bə-kəs, ə-ˈba-\
Function:: noun
Inflected Form(s):: plural aba·ci \ˈa-bə-ˌsī, -ˌkē; ə-ˈba-ˌkī\ or aba·cus·es
Etymology:: Latin, from Greek abak-, abax, literally, slab
Date:: 14th century

1 : an instrument for performing calculations by sliding counters along rods or in grooves 2 : a slab that forms the uppermost member or division of the capital of a column

[abacus illustration]

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