abacus

/ˈæbəkəs/
noun
  1. A frame with beads or counters used for counting and doing arithmetic, especially in ancient or traditional settings.
    • She slid the beads on the abacus to solve the math problem.
    • The merchant used an abacus to quickly add up the prices.
    • Children in some schools still learn to calculate with an abacus.
  2. The flat slab on top of a column capital in classical architecture.
    • Each column's abacus was carved from a single block of marble.
    • The ancient Greek temple had a simple abacus above each column.
    • The architect measured the abacus to ensure it matched the design.
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