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computation

computation

21 4.1
A process of working with numbers to find an answer
  • noun
  • /ˌkɒmpjuˈteɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : cálculo
  • Accurate computation is essential when predicting the weather patterns for the upcoming week.
  • math computation
  • arithmetic computation
  • numerical computation

Rainbow tables which trade off computation time for hard drive space.

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Examples

  • Nevertheless, these limitations can be overcome with additional research and computation of an individual's research output.

    Academic text (2008)
  • But doing this computation is not simple.

  • You see, any type of computation works in steps.

  • The invention of computer technology introduced new powers of computation and later communication.

    Academic text (2008)
  • Later, this strategy was modified to perform computations on any processors that would minimize communication.

    Academic text (2011)
  • Her primary focus has been on functional mathematics skills such as basic money computation, purchasing, measurement, and numeration.

    Academic text (2013)
  • There is enough material wealth for everyone on the planet to have a sturdy home and a steady food supply, if we stop competing and use our global communication and computation capabilities to level the playing field.

  • We're triple checking the orbital computations and risk estimates, from what it seems like, Triton Z32 is now veering in the direction of Earth, though.

  • The scientist used advanced algorithms for complex computation to analyze the data.

  • The teacher demonstrated simple computation methods to help students understand basic math concepts.

Synonyms

calculation
vscomputation
  • Specialized
203 2.8

Doing math to find an answer or the correct amount

is the wider act of solving problems by any mathematical method
computing
vscomputation
38 3.3

The process of using computers or math to do calculations and solve problems

is broader and covers manual or non-computer mathematical solving
reckoning
vscomputation
11 7.1

A way of calculating numbers to find an amount

focuses on exact mathematical problem solving rather than estimation
number crunching
vscomputation
4 4.2

Doing long, complex calculations, often using a computer

covers calculation generally, not only large or computer-heavy tasks
figuring
vscomputation
3.4

The act of working out numbers and totals

is the formal process of using mathematical methods to solve problems
mathematical process
vscomputation
  • Specialized
3.5

A series of steps used to solve math problems like addition or multiplication

describes the overall act of calculating rather than a single operation

How Complex

simulation
  • Specialized
199 4.7
analysis
3.4
computation
  • Specialized
21 4.1
calculation
  • Specialized
203 2.8
counting
111 1.0

Surface Forms

computation singular
computations plural

Morphology

computation = compute (transparent) = comput + ation

Standard nominalization from the verb 'compute' to form 'computation' meaning the act or process of calculating, which learners can infer from the verb.

Etymology

The word computation comes from Latin parts com- meaning 'together' and putare meaning 'to reckon' or 'to count'. You can see the same root in compute and computer, so a computation is simply the act of working out numbers or calculating an answer.