calculus: Meaning and Definition of

cal•cu•lus

Pronunciation: (kal'kyu-lus), [key]
— pl. -li -lus•es.
  1. a method of calculation, esp. one of several highly systematic methods of treating problems by a special system of algebraic notations, as differential or integral calculus.
  2. a stone, or concretion, formed in the gallbladder, kidneys, or other parts of the body.
  3. Also calleda hard, yellowish to brownish-black deposit on teeth formed largely through the mineralization of dead bacteria in dental plaques by the calcium salts in salivary secretions and subgingival transudates.
  4. calculation: the calculus of political appeal.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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