comptometer

A clerk uses a comptometer to calculate the day's sales.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A mechanical calculating machine: The "comptometer" is a type of early adding machine, operated by pressing keys, used to perform arithmetic calculations (especially addition) before the era of electronic calculators.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The accountant used a comptometer to tally the daily sales figures. (A mechanical device for adding numbers.)
  • Before computers, offices relied on the comptometer for fast arithmetic. (A key-driven adding machine.)

Advanced Usage

• "to operate a comptometer": to use the machine to perform calculations.

  • She was trained to operate a comptometer at high speed for bookkeeping. (To use the mechanical adding device efficiently.)

• "comptometer operator": a person skilled in using this machine.

  • The comptometer operator could add columns of numbers faster than any human. (A specialist in mechanical calculation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Comptometry (n): the skill or practice of using a comptometer.

  • Comptometry was a valuable office skill in the early 20th century. (The technique of operating the machine.)

• Comptometric (adj): relating to a comptometer.

  • The comptometric method required precise finger movements. (Pertaining to the machine's use.)

Synonyms

• Adding machine: a general term for a machine that performs addition (often mechanical).
  • The comptometer is a specific type of adding machine. (A broader category.)

Phrasal Verbs

Related Idioms