calculator

calculator — noun

1. an electronic tool, small enough to hold in one hand, used for adding, subtracti

1.名詞B1
釋義

an electronic tool, small enough to hold in one hand, used for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers — it usually has a screen and a set of keys or a touch panel

例句

During the maths test, Leila borrowed a calculator from the teacher.

collocation: borrow a calculator

Yusuf pressed the wrong button on his calculator and had to start the calculation again.

verb collocation: press a button on a calculator

同義詞
  • adding machine

    an older mechanical device for adding numbers; rarely used today

用法筆記

Frequently used in school and office contexts. The most basic type is often called a pocket calculator or handheld calculator.

常見錯誤

❌Can I borrow your computer to add these numbers?
✅Can I borrow your calculator?
💡A computer can do calculations, but a calculator is the smaller, dedicated device for this purpose.

2. a software programme or website feature that works out a specific number for you

2.名詞
釋義

a software programme or website feature that works out a specific number for you, such as how much tax you owe or how many calories you have eaten

例句

The mortgage calculator on the bank's website showed how much Priya would pay each month.

collocation: mortgage calculator

Ravi used an online calorie calculator to plan his meals for the week.

collocation: calorie calculator

同義詞
  • tool

    a more general term; a calculator is a specific kind of tool

  • converter

    a tool that changes one unit or currency to another, often similar in format

用法筆記

Typically preceded by a noun that describes what the tool calculates: mortgage calculator, calorie calculator, tax calculator, BMI calculator. This sense is common in web and app contexts.

常見錯誤

❌I used a calculator on Google to find out my BMI.' (correct but vague)
✅I used a BMI calculator on a health website.
💡Naming the type of calculator makes the meaning clearer.