Computation

/ˌkɒmpjʊˈteɪʃən/ noun

Definition

Computation is the process of calculating or using numbers to figure something out. It can be done by hand, with a calculator, or by a computer.

Etymology

From Latin 'computātiō', from 'computāre' meaning 'to count, reckon together'. The root 'putare' originally meant 'to prune' or 'to clean', then shifted to 'to settle or clear up accounts'.

Kelly Says

The word hides a neat idea: computation is about 'cleaning up' messy information into a clear answer. Modern computers are just ultra-fast number cleaners, tidying millions of tiny calculations every second.

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