calculator
gb/kˈælkjəlˌeɪtɚ/ us/kˈælkjəlˌeɪtɚ/
A2
English
~ 3700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Electronic or mechanical calculating device
A small machine or electronic tool that helps you do math problems.
Usage pattern:
use [a calculator] to [do calculations]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'calculator' with 'computer'; although both can perform calculations, a calculator is simpler and specialized for math.
Synonyms
computing device (More general term for any device capable of computation.)
|
adding machine (An older, mechanical device used mainly for adding numbers.)
Antonyms
abacus (A manual counting tool, opposite in technology level to a modern calculator.)
Collocations
scientific calculator
|pocket calculator
|online calculator
|graphing calculator
|calculator app
Themes
technology
|education
|mathematics
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She used a calculator to check her grocery bill.
- I always keep a calculator on my desk at work.
- The teacher asked the students to put away their calculators during the test.
- You can download a free calculator app on your phone.
Learner examples
- I use a calculator in math class.
- This calculator is very fast.
- Can I borrow your calculator?
- He bought a new calculator for school.
Noun
B2
entity
2
Person who calculates figures
A person who works by doing math problems, often for work like building or money planning.
Common mistake:
Learners may not realize this sense is rare today and mostly historical or metaphorical; they might overuse it instead of 'accountant' or 'analyst'.
Synonyms
mathematician (Someone skilled in mathematics, but broader and more academic than a calculator.)
|
number cruncher (Informal term for someone who processes large amounts of numerical data.)
Antonyms
guessworker (Someone who estimates without precise calculation.)
Collocations
skilled calculator
|human calculator
Themes
work
|mathematics
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Before computers, companies often employed human calculators.
- She was known as a brilliant calculator of complex trajectories.
- The project required the expertise of an experienced calculator.
Learner examples
- He is a fast calculator.
- The company hired a calculator to work on the budget.
- She is a human calculator.
Grammar
Dictionary form
calculator
IPA
GB/kˈælkjəlˌeɪtɚ/
US/kˈælkjəlˌeɪtɚ/
Syllables & stress
cal - cu - lat - or (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (cal)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: calculator
- Plural: calculators
Word family
Forms
calculators
noun
Core family
calculate
verb B1
calculation
noun B1
Related words
calculated
adjective
Expressions
human calculator
1/hjˈumən kˈælkjəlˌeɪtɚ/
fixed phrase
Person very fast at mental math
A person who can do math very fast in their head.
Examples
- She's such a human calculator—she added the bill before I even saw it.
- He became known as the human calculator after winning the math contest.
pocket calculator
1/pˈɑkət kˈælkjəlˌeɪtɚ/
fixed phrase
Small portable calculating device
A small calculator you can carry in your pocket.
Examples
- I always keep a pocket calculator in my bag for quick math.
- Before smartphones, many students carried a pocket calculator to class.