cal·cu·lus (k l ky -l s)n. pl. cal·cu·li (-l ) or cal·cu·lus·es 1. Pathology An abnormal concretion in the body, usually formed of mineral salts and found in the gallbladder, kidney, or urinary bladder, for example. 3. Mathematics a. The branch of mathematics that deals with limits and the differentiation and integration of functions of one or more variables. b. A method of analysis or calculation using a special symbolic notation. c. The combined mathematics of differential calculus and integral calculus. 4. A system or method of calculation: "[a] dazzling grasp of the nation's byzantine budget calculus" David M. Alpern.
[Latin, small stone used in reckoning; see calculate.] |
calculus Noun
1. the branch of mathematics dealing with infinitesimal changes to a variable number or quantity
calculusa branch of mathematics that treats the measurement of changing quantities, determining rates of change (differential calculus) and quantities under changing conditions (integral calculus).
See also:
Mathematics
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | calculus - a hard lump produced by the concretion of mineral salts; found in hollow organs or ducts of the body; "renal calculi can be very painful"enterolith - a calculus occurring in the intestines rock, stone - a lump or mass of hard consolidated mineral matter; "he threw a rock at me" |
| 2. | calculus - an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums |
| 3. | calculus - the branch of mathematics that is concerned with limits and with the differentiation and integration of functionsmath, mathematics, maths - a science (or group of related sciences) dealing with the logic of quantity and shape and arrangement pure mathematics - the branches of mathematics that study and develop the principles of mathematics for their own sake rather than for their immediate usefulness analysis - a branch of mathematics involving calculus and the theory of limits; sequences and series and integration and differentiation differential calculus, method of fluxions - the part of calculus that deals with the variation of a function with respect to changes in the independent variable (or variables) by means of the concepts of derivative and differential integral calculus - the part of calculus that deals with integration and its application in the solution of differential equations and in determining areas or volumes etc. |
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