Comput

/kəmˈpjuːt/ verb

Definition

To calculate or determine by mathematical means. An archaic or abbreviated form of 'compute.'

Etymology

From Latin 'computare,' from 'com-' (together) + 'putare' (to reckon, think). Originally meant to calculate by counting together or adding up. The word evolved through Old French 'computer' before entering English, maintaining its mathematical core meaning throughout its history.

Kelly Says

Before electronic computers, 'computers' were human beings who performed calculations by hand! The verb 'compute' originally described the painstaking process of adding, subtracting, and reasoning through mathematical problems, making our modern 'computers' named after the humans they replaced.

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