abacus
nounUK /ˈæb.ə.kəs/
US /ˈæb.ə.kəs/
An abacus is a tool with beads on wires that people use to count and do math.
The children learned to add numbers using a wooden abacus.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A flat slab forming the top of a column's capital in classical architecture.
The stone abacus at the top of the column supported the roof beam.
3. A board with a grid used in ancient times for calculating with counters.
Archaeologists found a Roman abacus with sliding counters.
4. A sand-covered board used in ancient Greece and Rome for drawing and calculating.
Students traced figures on the abacus of sand.