calculus
Calculus (noun) means a branch of mathematics dealing with rates of change and the accumulation of quantities. Example: “She studied calculus in her first year of engineering school.”
How to use calculus
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishMost often the advanced math subject covering derivatives and integrals; in a medical context, a hardened mineral deposit like tartar or a kidney stone.
Word forms
calculi plural, calculuses plural
Fill the gap
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She studied _____ in her first year of engineering school.
Etymology
From Latin calculus, "small pebble," the same word used for counting stones on an abacus — mathematicians later borrowed it for this branch of math.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for calculus
See all rhymes for calculus →Frequently asked questions
What does “calculus” mean?
The word “calculus” means a branch of mathematics dealing with rates of change and the accumulation of quantities. In plain terms, most often the advanced math subject covering derivatives and integrals; in a medical context, a hardened mineral deposit like tartar or a kidney stone.
How do you pronounce “calculus”?
“Calculus” is pronounced KAL-kyuu-luhs (/ˈkæl.kjə.ləs/ in IPA).
How do you use “calculus” in a sentence?
Here is “calculus” used in a sentence: “She studied calculus in her first year of engineering school.”
What part of speech is “calculus”?
“Calculus” is a noun.
Where does the word “calculus” come from?
The word “calculus” comes from Latin. From Latin calculus, "small pebble," the same word used for counting stones on an abacus — mathematicians later borrowed it for this branch of math.
Is “calculus” a common word?
“Calculus” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “calculus” have?
“Calculus” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a branch of mathematics dealing with rates of change and the accumulation of quantities.
What is the difference between calculus and algebra?
Algebra deals with solving equations using fixed rules and unknown values, while calculus studies how quantities change and accumulate over time, using concepts like derivatives and integrals. Calculus builds on algebra but adds tools for analyzing motion, growth, and areas under curves.
Why does calculus also refer to a mineral deposit in the body?
In medicine and dentistry, "calculus" describes a hard mineral buildup, such as tartar on teeth or a kidney stone, because the Latin word calculus originally meant a small stone or pebble. The mathematical sense of the word comes from the same root, since early counting was done with pebbles.
What are the two main branches of calculus?
Calculus is generally divided into differential calculus, which deals with rates of change such as slopes and speeds, and integral calculus, which deals with the accumulation of quantities such as areas and totals. Together they form the mathematical basis for describing continuous change.
Is dental calculus the same thing as plaque?
Dental calculus is not the same as plaque, but it develops from it. Plaque is a soft, sticky film of bacteria on the teeth, and when it is not removed it can harden into calculus, a firm mineral deposit that usually requires professional cleaning to remove.