abaculus

noun

abac·​u·​lus
ə-ˈba-kyə-ləs
plural abaculi
ə-ˈba-kyə-ˌlī,
-ˌlē
: a tile used in mosaic : tessera

Word History

Etymology

misreading of Latin ab oculīs "out of view," as if diminutive of abacus abacus

First Known Use

1844, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abaculus was in 1844

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Dictionary Entries Near abaculus

a baculo

abaculus

abacus

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Abaculus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abaculus. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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