accounting machine

noun

1
: a key-operated machine which dates, codes, tabulates, adds, subtracts, or totals chiefly in the process of keeping business records (as accounts payable or receivable)
2
: a business machine that selects information from punched cards fed into it, tabulates, adds, subtracts, or totals in various predeterminable ways, and prints the results

Word History

First Known Use

1900, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of accounting machine was in 1900

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near accounting machine

Cite this Entry

“Accounting machine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/accounting%20machine. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!