cal ‧ cu ‧ la ‧ tor S3 /ˈkælkjəleɪtə, ˈkælkjʊleɪtə $ -ər/ BrE AmE noun [countable]
[ Word Family: adjective : ↑ calculable ≠ ↑ incalculable , ↑ calculated , ↑ calculating ; noun : ↑ calculation , ↑ calculator ; verb : ↑ calculate ; adverb : ↑ calculatedly ]
a small electronic machine that can add, multiply etc
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COLLOCATIONS
■ verbs
▪ use a calculator
The children are taught to use calculators from a young age.
▪ work something out on a calculator
Work it out on a calculator if you can't do it in your head.
▪ add something up on a calculator
I added the cost up on a calculator.
■ types of calculator
▪ an electronic calculator
Candidates may use electronic calculators in the exam.
▪ a pocket calculator (=a small one you can carry easily)
I took out my pocket calculator and added up the figures.
▪ a desk calculator (=a big one for using on a desk)
He had a big fancy desk calculator.
▪ a hand-held calculator (=a small one that you hold in your hand)
The calculations can be done using a hand-held calculator.