calculus Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a hard lump produced by the concretion of mineral salts; found in hollow organs or ducts of the body
    concretion.
    • renal calculi can be very painful
  2. noun an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums
    tophus; tartar.
  3. noun the branch of mathematics that is concerned with limits and with the differentiation and integration of functions
    infinitesimal calculus.

WordNet

Cal"cu*lus noun
Etymology
L, calculus. See Calculate, and Calcule.
Wordforms
plural
plural Calculi
Definitions
  1. (Med.) Any solid concretion, formed in any part of the body, but most frequent in the organs that act as reservoirs, and in the passages connected with them; as, biliary calculi; urinary calculi, etc.
  2. (Math.) A method of computation; any process of reasoning by the use of symbols; any branch of mathematics that may involve calculation.

Webster 1913