Dactylonomy

/ˌdæktɪˈlɒnəmi/ noun

Definition

A systematic method of counting or calculating using fingers, especially ancient finger-counting systems used for mathematics and divination.

Etymology

From Greek daktylos (finger) + nomos (law/system). This term describes organized finger-counting techniques used in antiquity before written numerals.

Kelly Says

Roman merchants used dactylonomy to count money so fast it looked like magic—they had hand signals for every number up to millions, letting them negotiate prices without speaking.

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