calculator

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A mechanical or electronic device that performs mathematical calculations; (now usually) an electronic one specifically.

   electronic calculator;   pocket calculator

2. 2
   noun

   A person who performs mathematical calculation.

   During the war, his grandmother had worked at the Bletchley Park decoding station as a calculator.

3. 3
   noun

   A person who calculates (in the sense of scheming).

   Near-synonyms: schemer, plotter; manipulator

4. 4
   noun

   a small machine that is used for mathematical calculations

5. 5
   noun

   an expert at calculation (or at operating calculating machines)

6. 6
   noun

   A set of mathematical tables.

Etymology

In the sense of a person, from Middle English calkelatour (“a mathematician, an astrologer”), borrowed from Latin calculātor, equivalent to calculate + -or. The other meanings arose in Modern English.