Hypertext Webster Gateway: "calculating"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Calculate \Cal"cu*late\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Calculater}; p.
pr. & vb. n. {Calculating}.] [L, calculatus, p. p. of
calculate, fr. calculus a pebble, a stone used in reckoning;
hence, a reckoning, fr. calx, calcis, a stone used in gaming,
limestone. See {Calx}.]
1. To ascertain or determine by mathematical processes,
usually by the ordinary rules of arithmetic; to reckon up;
to estimate; to compute.

A calencar exacity calculated than any othe.
--North.

2. To ascertain or predict by mathematical or astrological
computations the time, circumstances, or other conditions
of; to forecast or compute the character or consequences
of; as, to calculate or cast one's nativity.

A cunning man did calculate my birth. --Shak.

3. To adjust for purpose; to adapt by forethought or
calculation; to fit or prepare by the adaptation of means
to an end; as, to calculate a system of laws for the
government and protection of a free people.

[Religion] is . . . calculated for our benefit.
--Abp.
Tillotson.

4. To plan; to expect; to think. [Local, U. S.]

Syn: To compute; reckon; count; estimate; rate.

Usage: {To Calculate}, {Compute}. {Reckon}, {Count}. These
words indicate the means by which we arrive at a given
result in regard to quantity. We calculate with a view
to obtain a certain point of knowledge; as, to
calculate an eclipse. We compute by combining given
numbers, in order to learn the grand result. We reckon
and count in carrying out the details of a
computation. These words are also used in a secondary
and figurative sense. ``Calculate is rather a
conjection from what is, as to what may be;
computation is a rational estimate of what has been,
from what is; reckoning is a conclusive conviction, a
pleasing assurance that a thing will happen; counting
indicates an expectation. We calculate on a gain; we
compute any loss sustained, or the amount of any
mischief done; we reckon on a promised pleasure; we
count the hours and minutes until the time of
enjoyment arrives'' --Crabb.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Calculating \Cal"cu*la`ting\, a.
1. Of or pertaining to mathematical calculations; performing
or able to perform mathematical calculations.

2. Given to contrivance or forethought; forecasting;
scheming; as, a cool calculating disposition.

{Calculating machine}, a machine for the mechanical
performance of mathematical operations, for the most part
invented by Charles Babbage and G. and E. Scheutz. It
computes logarithmic and other mathematical tables of a
high degree of intricacy, imprinting the results on a
leaden plate, from which a stereotype plate is then
directly made.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Calculating \Cal"cu*la`ting\, n.
The act or process of making mathematical computations or of
estimating results.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

calculating
adj : used of persons; "the most calculating and selfish men in
the community" [syn: {calculative}, {conniving}, {scheming},
{shrewd}]


Additional Hypertext Webster Gateway Lookup

Enter word here:
Exact Approx


dict.stokkie.net
Gateway by dict@stokkie.net
stock only wrote the gateway and does not have any control over the contents; see the Webster Gateway FAQ, and also the Back-end/database links and credits.