Slide rule

Slide rule
Slide rule Slide" rule`, n. a thin, flat calculating device consisting of a fixed outer piece and a movable middle piece. Both pieces are graduated in such a way (as, by a logarithmic scale) that multiplication, division, and other mathematical functions of an input variable may be rapidly determined by movement of the middle pieces to a location on one scale corresponding to the input value, and reading off the result on another scale. A movable window with a hairline assists in alignment of the scales. This device has been largely superseded by the electronic calculator, which has a greater precision than the slide rule. Also called colloquially {slipstick}. [PJC]

The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • slide-rule — also slide rule, calculating tool, 1838, from SLIDE (Cf. slide) (v.) + RULE (Cf. rule) (n.). So called for its method of operation …   Etymology dictionary

  • Slide rule — Slide Slide, n. [AS. sl[=i]de.] 1. The act of sliding; as, a slide on the ice. [1913 Webster] 2. Smooth, even passage or progress. [1913 Webster] A better slide into their business. Bacon. [1913 Webster] 3. That on which anything moves by sliding …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • slide rule — slide rules N COUNT A slide rule is an instrument that you use for calculating numbers. It looks like a ruler and has a middle part that slides backwards and forwards …   English dictionary

  • slide rule — n an old fashioned instrument used for calculating numbers, that looks like a ruler and has a middle part that slides across …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • slide rule — slide ,rule noun count a simple piece of equipment like a RULER with a piece in the middle that slides along, used for calculating …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • slide rule — slide′ rule n. math. a mechanical calculator consisting of a ruler with a sliding section, both bearing logarithmic scales • Etymology: 1875–80 …   From formal English to slang

  • slide rule — ► NOUN ▪ a ruler with a sliding central strip, marked with logarithmic scales and used for making rapid calculations …   English terms dictionary

  • slide rule — n. a mechanical mathematical device consisting of a ruler with a central sliding piece, both parts being marked with various number scales: used to find square roots, logarithms, quotients, etc. rapidly …   English World dictionary

  • Slide rule — For other uses, see Slide rule (disambiguation). A typical ten inch student slide rule (Pickett N902 T simplex trig). The slide rule, also known colloquially as a slipstick,[1] is a mechanical analog computer. The slide rule is used primarily for …   Wikipedia

  • slide rule — a device for performing mathematical calculations, consisting essentially of a ruler having a sliding piece moving along it, both marked with graduated, usually logarithmic, scales: now largely replaced by the electronic calculator. [1655 65 for… …   Universalium

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