cal|cu|late /kæ lkjʊle I t/ (calculates , calculating , calculated )
1 VERB If you calculate a number or amount, you discover it from information that you already have, by using arithmetic, mathematics, or a special machine. □ [V n] From this you can calculate the total mass in the Galaxy. □ [V that] We calculate that the average size farm in Lancaster County is 65 acres. [Also V wh]
2 VERB If you calculate the effects of something, especially a possible course of action, you think about them in order to form an opinion or decide what to do. □ [V n] I believe I am capable of calculating the political consequences accurately. □ [V that] He is calculating that the property market will be back on its feet within two years. WORD HISTORY calculate
Calculate comes from the Latin word calculare meaning 'count using small stones', from calculus , meaning 'stone'. The Romans used small stones to count with.
cal|cu|lat|ed /kæ lkjʊle I t I d/
1 ADJ If something is calculated to have a particular effect, it is specially done or arranged in order to have that effect. □ Their movements were calculated to terrify landowners into abandoning their holdings.
2 ADJ If you say that something is not calculated to have a particular effect, you mean that it is unlikely to have that effect. □ Such a statement was hardly calculated to deter future immigrants.
3 ADJ [usu ADJ n] You can describe a clever or dishonest action as calculated when it is very carefully planned or arranged. □ Irene's cleaning the floor had been a calculated attempt to cover up her crime.
4 ADJ [ADJ n] If you take a calculated risk, you do something which you think might be successful, although you have fully considered the possible bad consequences of your action.
cal|cu|lat|ing /kæ lkjʊle I t I ŋ/ ADJ If you describe someone as calculating , you disapprove of the fact that they deliberately plan to get what they want, often by hurting or harming other people. [DISAPPROVAL ] □ Northbridge is a cool, calculating and clever criminal who could strike again.
cal|cu|la|tion /kæ lkjʊle I ʃ ə n/ (calculations )
1 N‑VAR A calculation is something that you think about and work out mathematically. Calculation is the process of working something out mathematically. □ Leonard made a rapid calculation: he'd never make it in time. □ [+ of ] …the calculation of their assets.
2 N‑VAR A calculation is something that you think carefully about and arrive at a conclusion on after having considered all the relevant factors. □ For the President, the calculations are equally difficult. If the peacekeeping operation goes wrong, he risks appearing weak.
cal|cu|la|tor /kæ lkjʊle I tə r / (calculators ) N‑COUNT A calculator is a small electronic device that you use for making mathematical calculations. □ …a pocket calculator.
cal|cu|lus /kæ lkjʊləs/ N‑UNCOUNT Calculus is a branch of advanced mathematics which deals with variable quantities.
cal|en|dar /kæ l I ndə r / (calendars )
1 N‑COUNT A calendar is a chart or device which displays the date and the day of the week, and often the whole of a particular year divided up into months, weeks, and days. □ There was a calendar on the wall above, with large squares around the dates.
2 N‑COUNT A calendar is a particular system for dividing time into periods such as years, months, and weeks, often starting from a particular point in history. □ The Christian calendar was originally based on the Julian calendar of the Romans.
3 N‑COUNT [usu sing, usu with poss] You can use calendar to refer to a series or list of events and activities which take place on particular dates, and which are important for a particular organization, community, or person. □ It is one of the British sporting calendar's most prestigious events.
ca l|en|dar mo nth (calendar months )
1 N‑COUNT A calendar month is one of the twelve months of the year. □ Winners will be selected at the end of each calendar month.
2 N‑COUNT A calendar month is the period from a particular date in one month to the same date in the next month, for example from April 4th to May 4th.
ca l|en|dar yea r (calendar years ) N‑COUNT A calendar year is a period of twelve months from January 1 to December 31. Calendar year is often used in business to compare with the financial year .
calf /kɑː f, [AM ] kæ f/ (calves /kɑː vz, [AM ] kæ vz/)
1 N‑COUNT A calf is a young cow.
2 N‑COUNT Some other young animals, including elephants and whales, are called calves .
3 N‑COUNT Your calf is the thick part at the back of your leg, between your ankle and your knee. □ …a calf injury.
ca lf-length ADJ [ADJ n] Calf-length skirts, dresses, and coats come to halfway between your knees and ankles. □ …a black, calf-length coat.
calf|skin /kɑː fsk I n, [AM ] kæ f-/ N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Calfskin shoes and clothing are made from the skin of a calf. □ …calfskin boots.
cali|ber /kæ l I bə r / → see calibre
cali|brate /kæ l I bre I t/ (calibrates , calibrating , calibrated )
1 VERB If you calibrate an instrument or tool, you mark or adjust it so that you can use it to measure something accurately. [TECHNICAL ] □ [V n] …instructions on how to calibrate a thermometer.
2 VERB If you calibrate something, you measure it accurately. [WRITTEN ] □ [V n] …a way of calibrating the shift of opinion within the Labour Party. ● cali|bra|tion (calibrations ) N‑VAR □ [+ of ] …the precise calibration of the achievement level of those observed.
cali|bre /kæ l I bə r / (calibres ) in AM, use caliber 1 N‑UNCOUNT [usu adj N ] The calibre of a person is the quality or standard of their ability or intelligence, especially when this is high. □ [+ of ] I was impressed by the high calibre of the researchers and analysts.