I. ˈkalkyələs, ˈkau̇k- noun
( plural calcu·li -ˌlī, -ē ; also calcu·lus·es -_ləsə̇z)
Etymology: Latin, pebble, stone in the bladder or kidneys, stone used in calculating, act of calculating — more at calculate
1.
a. : a solid concretion usually composed of mineral salts, formed around organic material, and found mainly in hollow organs, ducts, passages, and cysts
renal calculi
a small calculus was eliminated from the bladder
— see gallstone , renal calculus , urinary calculus
b. : a concretion on teeth : tartar
2. archaic : calculation , computation
3. : a method or process of reasoning by computation of symbols: as
a. : a branch of mathematics (as the infinitesimal calculus) involving calculation
b. : any one of the commonly distinguished divisions of symbolic logic
4. plural calculuses : a book or treatise on infinitesimal calculus
II. noun
: a system or arrangement of intricate or interrelated parts
the calculus of forces in world affairs — Martin Mayer