Napier's bones

Na·pi·er's bones

 (nā′pē-ərz, nə-pîrz′)

pl.n. (used with a sing. verb)

A set of graduated rods used to perform multiplication quickly.

---

[After John Napier.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Napier's bones

pl n

(Mathematics) a set of graduated rods formerly used for multiplication and division

[C17: based on a method invented by John Napier]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Napier's bones - a set of graduated rods formerly used to do multiplication and division by a method invented by John Napier Napier's rods calculating machine, calculator - a small machine that is used for mathematical calculations plural, plural form - the form of a word that is used to denote more than one

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.