Abaculi

/əˈbækjʊlaɪ/ noun

Definition

Plural of 'abaculus'; refers to small counting beads or small abacus-like devices used in ancient or medieval calculation.

Etymology

Latin plural of 'abaculus,' the diminutive form of 'abacus' (counting board). The '-ulus' suffix in Latin creates diminutives, making this a formal term for 'little abacuses' used in scholarly medieval texts.

Kelly Says

Medieval scholars loved using Latin diminutives like 'abaculi' to be precise about size and quantity—saying 'abaculi' instead of 'abacuses' showed you were educated and familiar with proper classical forms, so it was kind of a status symbol.

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