calculating machine
1
5.9
- noun
- /ˈkælkjʊˌleɪtɪŋ məˈʃin/
- Archaic
:
máquina calculadora
- A one-semester encounter with primitive calculating machines passed for "rigorous training," and this exposure to the wonders of white balls and black balls removed from urns was almost always, thankfully forgotten.
Examples
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In the world of mathematical calculations, Charles Babbage designed calculating machines that automated the preparation of navigation tables and solved mathematical problems.
Academic text (2002) -
In 1942, physicist John Mauchly proposed an all-electronic calculating machine for advanced computations.
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We learned how to solve all sorts of business problems using calculating machines.
Blog text (29) -
So Hayek described the market as a great calculating machine, and well, so it is.
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Fowler died before assembling a full-scale calculating machine, but his plans called for a device that could multiply two 12-digit numbers.
Academic text (2003) -
The earliest computers were intended as giant calculating machines that could perform complex mathematical operations.
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Computers date back to the 1600s, when mathematicians invented simple calculating machines to aid in arithmetic.
Synonyms
81
1.3
A small electronic device for doing math like adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing
3
3.7
A machine like a computer or calculator that works with information
2
3.9
A machine that adds and subtracts numbers used for money
1
2.4
A machine that uses electricity to work with information and do calculations by itself
1
4.4
A machine that does calculations by itself, like an early computer
A device or calculator that adds numbers to show a total
A computer that does many math calculations very quickly
How Advanced
- Archaic
495
9.5
1
2.1
- Archaic
1
5.9
- Archaic
2
3.9
7
6.4
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is a straightforward composition: 'calculating' (performing calculations) modifies 'machine' (a device), so the meaning 'a machine that performs calculations' is directly derivable from the parts. This modifier+noun pattern is common cross-linguistically (e.g. Spanish/Portuguese 'máquina calculadora' or 'máquina de calcular'), making it clear to B1 learners who know both constituents.
Etymology
Calculating machine comes from a simple image: a machine that does the work of calculating. In old offices people used big boxes with gears and handles to add and work with numbers, so that's why it means 'a machine for doing sums'.