calculare

Calculare is a term that appears in Latin and in the Romance language family as an element meaning to calculate or reckon. In Latin, calculare is the infinitive form of a verb used in mathematical, accounting, and reckoning contexts. It is considered the etymological ancestor of a broad set of related terms in modern languages, including English calculus and calculation, and Italian calcolare or Spanish calcular. The root derives from calculus, a small stone used for counting, from calx, "stone".

In the classical period, calculare described performing counts, arithmetic, or computations. As Latin evolved into the Romance languages, the verb diversified: Italian calcolare, Spanish calcular, and related forms in other tongues show a common origin. In some languages, calculare or its derivatives also appear as nouns capturing the act or method of calculation.

Today, calculare is largely historical or used in linguistic discussions. In English and many contemporary contexts, the standard terms are calculate, calculation, or calculus. When non-English terms are cited, calculare may appear as a transliteration of the original Latin form or as part of a scholarly citation.

See also: Calculus; Calculation; Calculator; Calcular.