Calculus is a branch of advanced mathematics which deals with variable quantities.
calculus in British English
(ˈkælkjʊləs)
nounWord forms: plural-luses
1.
a branch of mathematics, developed independently by Newton and Leibniz. Both differential calculus and integral calculus are concerned with the effect on a function of an infinitesimal change in the independent variable as it tends to zero
2.
any mathematical system of calculation involving the use of symbols
3. logic
an uninterpreted formal system
Compare formal language (sense 2)
4. Word forms: plural-li (-ˌlaɪ) pathology
a stonelike concretion of minerals and salts found in ducts or hollow organs of the body
Word origin
C17: from Latin: pebble, stone used in reckoning, from calx small stone, counter
calculus in American English
(ˈkælkjuləs; ˈkælkjələs)
nounWord forms: pluralˈcalcuˌli (ˈkælkjəˌlaɪ) or ˈcalculuses
1.
any abnormal stony mass or deposit formed in the body, as in a kidney or gallbladder or on teeth
see also tartar (sense 2)
2. Ancient Mathematics
a.
any system of calculation using special symbolic notations
b.
infinitesimal calculus
Word origin
L: see calculate
Examples of 'calculus' in a sentence
calculus
But if you are out of work, this calculus changes.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Scotland has changed the calculus.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The crucial thing after September 11 is that the calculus of risk changed.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
Word lists with
calculus
Branches of mathematics
All related terms of 'calculus'
formal calculus
an uninterpreted symbolic system whose syntax is precisely defined, and on which a relation of deducibility is defined in purely syntactic terms; a logistic system
lambda calculus
a formalized description of functions and the way in which they combine , developed by Alonzo Church and used in the theory of certain high-level programming languages
renal calculus
a hard mass formed in the kidney , usually composed of oxalates , phosphates , and carbonates
integral calculus
the branch of calculus concerned with the determination of integrals and their application to the solution of differential equations , the determination of areas and volumes , etc
predicate calculus
the system of symbolic logic concerned not only with relations between propositions as wholes but also with the representation by symbols of individuals and predicates in propositions and with quantification over individuals
urinary calculus
a calculus in the urinary tract
differential calculus
the branch of calculus concerned with the study, evaluation, and use of derivatives and differentials
functional calculus
the system of symbolic logic concerned not only with relations between propositions as wholes but also with the representation by symbols of individuals and predicates in propositions and with quantification over individuals
infinitesimal calculus
the combined methods of mathematical analysis of → differential calculus , integral calculus
propositional calculus
the system of symbolic logic concerned only with the relations between propositions as wholes , taking no account of their internal structure
sentential calculus
the formal theory the intended interpretation of which concerns the logical relations between sentences treated only as a whole and without regard to their internal structure
calculus of variations
a branch of calculus concerned with maxima and minima of definite integrals
calculus of finite differences
the branch of mathematics concerned with changes in a dependent variable due to discrete changes in the independent variable