01 n. A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc.
pl.
Abacuses, Abaci ((-sī))
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1.
A table or tray strewn with sand, anciently used for drawing, calculating, etc.[Obs.]
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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.
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3.
The uppermost member or division of the capital of a column, immediately under the architrave. See Column.(Arch.) See: Column
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4.
A board, tray, or table, divided into perforated compartments, for holding cups, bottles, or the like; a kind of cupboard, buffet, or sideboard.
Phrases & compounds
Abacus harmonicus —
an ancient diagram showing the structure and disposition of the keys of an instrument.