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.

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[After John Napier.]

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]

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