calculus
Pluralcalculi (some meanings), calculuses (some meanings)
- 1A part of math that studies how things change and how tiny pieces add up to make a whole.
Calculus was the hardest class I took in my first year of college.
My brother stayed up late to finish his calculus homework.
UsageSay I took calculus, with no the.
Note
- 2A way of deciding what to do, often one used in a special area like politics or business.
The coach's calculus was simple: rest the best players before the big game.
Higher gas prices changed the calculus for many families deciding whether to drive or fly.
UsagePeople say political calculus. Something can change the calculus.
Similarcalculation, reckoning
- 3A set of fixed rules for working with symbols, used in math and logic.
Logic students learn a calculus with a few fixed rules for moving symbols around.
Several programming languages are based on the lambda calculus.
Note
- 4A hard layer of mineral salts that forms on your teeth.
The dentist scraped the calculus off my back teeth.
Brushing and flossing every day help stop calculus from forming.
UsageThe everyday word is tartar.
Similartartar
Note
- 5A hard lump like a stone that forms inside a part of the body.
The doctor found a calculus in his kidney and said it would pass on its own.
The X-ray showed two calculi in the dog's bladder.
UsageMore than one is calculi. Most people say stones.
Similarstone
Note
Less common meaning
Practice
Can you tell the meanings of calculus apart? Answer 3 quick questions from this page, or write your own sentence and AI will check it.
Origin
From a Latin word for a small stone used for counting.
Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact
- Calculus comes from Latin calculus, meaning a small stone used for counting. en.wiktionary.org