calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

a

: the process or an act of calculating

b

: the result of an act of calculating

2

a

: studied care in analyzing or planning

b

: cold heartless planning to promote self-interest

calculational

ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-sh(ə-)nəl 

adjective

Examples of calculation in a Sentence

According to experts' calculations, that star will explode within two billion years.

The computer can do millions of calculations each second.

Careful calculation is required to determine the required amount of fuel.

The book reveals the cold calculations that were behind the government's policies.

His positions are based on political calculation of what voters want to hear.

Recent Examples on the Web

The filing also noted a material weakness in internal control over financial reporting, specifically related to the fair value calculations of certain financial instruments. —Quartz Bot, Quartz, 14 Nov. 2024

Others offer the ability to perform longer calculations. —Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

However, critics claimed that part of the law has no teeth and would be ignored by employers who won't take the time to make the necessary calculations of salary and tips each pay period. —Ray Stern, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024

Then Wilson made a political calculation that embracing anti-immigrant sentiment would turn his political fortune around. —Eladio B. Bobadilla / Made By History, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English calculacioun, borrowed from Anglo-French & Late Latin; Anglo-French calculacione, borrowed from Late Latin calculātiōn-, calculātiō, from calculāre "to count, calculate" + Latin -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

calculation

noun

cal·​cu·​la·​tion ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən 

1

a

: the process or an act of calculating

b

: the result obtained by calculation

2

: care in planning : caution