calculator

/ˈkælkjuleɪtə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkælkjuleɪtər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkal-kyə-ˌlā-tər/ (ame, mw)

calculator — 名詞

  • calculatorsingular
  • calculatorsplural

1. an electronic tool, small enough to hold in one hand, used for adding, subtracti

1.名詞B1
釋義

計算機

做數學運算的電子裝置

an electronic tool, small enough to hold in one hand, used for adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing numbers — it usually has a screen and a set of keys or a touch panel

例句

During the maths test, Leila borrowed a calculator from the teacher.

數學考試時，Leila 向老師借了一台計算機。

collocation: borrow a calculator

Yusuf pressed the wrong button on his calculator and had to start the calculation again.

Yusuf 按錯計算機上的按鍵，只好從頭開始計算。

verb collocation: press a button on a calculator

同義詞
  • adding machine

    an older mechanical device for adding numbers; rarely used today

用法筆記

Frequently used in school and office contexts. The most basic type is often called a pocket calculator or handheld calculator.

常見錯誤

❌Can I borrow your computer to add these numbers?
✅Can I borrow your calculator?
💡A computer can do calculations, but a calculator is the smaller, dedicated device for this purpose.

2. a software programme or website feature that works out a specific number for you

2.名詞
釋義

計算工具

網站或軟體上的計算功能

a software programme or website feature that works out a specific number for you, such as how much tax you owe or how many calories you have eaten

例句

The mortgage calculator on the bank's website showed how much Priya would pay each month.

銀行網站上的房貸計算工具顯示 Priya 每月要繳多少錢。

collocation: mortgage calculator

Ravi used an online calorie calculator to plan his meals for the week.

Ravi 用線上的卡路里計算工具來規劃一週的飲食。

collocation: calorie calculator

同義詞
  • tool

    a more general term; a calculator is a specific kind of tool

  • converter

    a tool that changes one unit or currency to another, often similar in format

用法筆記

Typically preceded by a noun that describes what the tool calculates: mortgage calculator, calorie calculator, tax calculator, BMI calculator. This sense is common in web and app contexts.

常見錯誤

❌I used a calculator on Google to find out my BMI.' (correct but vague)
✅I used a BMI calculator on a health website.
💡Naming the type of calculator makes the meaning clearer.