Abacuses

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Abacus \Ab"a*cus\ ([a^]b"[.a]*k[u^]s), n.; E. pl. {Abacuses}; L.
     pl. {Abaci} (-s[imac]). [L. abacus, abax, Gr. 'a`bax]
     1. A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for
        drawing, calculating, etc. [Obs.]
        [1913 Webster]
  


     2. A calculating table or frame; an instrument for performing
        arithmetical calculations by balls sliding on wires, or
        counters in grooves, the lowest line representing units,
        the second line, tens, etc. It is still employed in China.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. (Arch.)
        (a) The uppermost member or division of the capital of a
            column, immediately under the architrave. See
            {Column}.
        (b) A tablet, panel, or compartment in ornamented or
            mosaic work.
            [1913 Webster]
  
     4. A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated
        compartments, for holding cups, bottles, or the like; a
        kind of cupboard, buffet, or sideboard.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     {Abacus harmonicus} (Mus.), an ancient diagram showing the
        structure and disposition of the keys of an instrument.
        --Crabb.
        [1913 Webster]