1  definition  found 
 
  From  Webster's  Revised  Unabridged  Dictionary  (1913)  [web1913]: 
 
  Abacus  \Ab"a*cus\  ([a^]b"[.a]*k[u^]s),  n.;  E.  pl  {Abacuses};  L. 
  pl  {Abaci}  (-s[imac]).  [L.  abacus,  abax,  Gr  'a`bax] 
  1.  A  table  or  tray  strewn  with  sand,  anciently  used  for 
  drawing,  calculating,  etc  [Obs.] 
 
  2.  A  calculating  table  or  frame;  an  instrument  for  performing 
  arithmetical  calculations  by  balls  sliding  on  wires,  or 
  counters  in  grooves,  the  lowest  line  representing  units, 
  the  second  line  tens,  etc  It  is  still  employed  in  China. 
 
  3.  (Arch.) 
  a  The  uppermost  member  or  division  of  the  capital  of  a 
  column,  immediately  under  the  architrave.  See 
  {Column}. 
  b  A  tablet,  panel,  or  compartment  in  ornamented  or 
  mosaic  work 
 
  4.  A  board,  tray,  or  table,  divided  into  perforated 
  compartments,  for  holding  cups,  bottles,  or  the  like  a 
  kind  of  cupboard,  buffet,  or  sideboard. 
 
  {Abacus  harmonicus}  (Mus.),  an  ancient  diagram  showing  the 
  structure  and  disposition  of  the  keys  of  an  instrument. 
  --Crabb. 

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