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| cal·cu·lus [ kálkyələss ] (plural cal·cu·li [ kálkyə l ] or cal·cu·lus·es) |
noun |
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| Definition: |
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1. mathematics branch of mathematics: a branch of mathematics dealing with the way that relations between some sets functions are affected by very small changes in one of their variables independent variables as they approach zero. It is used to find slopes of curves, rates of change, and volumes of curved figures.
See also differential calculusintegral calculus
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2. mathematics logic method of calculation: a method or system of calculation using symbols or symbolic logic
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3. medicine stone: a stone or concretion, especially one in the kidney, gallbladder, or urinary bladder
(
technical
)
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4. dentistry
Same as tartar (sense 1)
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5. nonmathematical decision-making criteria: a nonmathematical evaluation, estimation, or computation, e.g. in short- or long-term decision making or strategy formulation
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| [Mid-17th century. < Latin, "pebble," diminutive of calx (see calx)] |
