Computation
/ˌkɒmpjuˈteɪʃən/
Definitions
The action of calculating something mathematically or using a computer.
/ˌkɒmpjuˈteɪʃən/
The act of calculating or determining something mathematically.
The final computation of the project took several days to complete.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're figuring out a math problem or getting a computer to do something. Computation is when you're solving it or the computer is working it out – like adding, subtracting, or using fancy formulas!
👶 For kids: Doing math problems or using a computer to find an answer.
More Examples
Accurate computation is critical in engineering.
The program performs complex computations rapidly.
How It's Used
"The computation involved complex algorithms."
"The computation speed of the new processor is impressive."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Computational fluid dynamics
A branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical methods and algorithms to analyze and solve problems that involve fluid flows.
"Computational fluid dynamics is used extensively in the design of aircraft and automobiles."
Perform a computation
To execute a mathematical calculation or operation.
"The computer will perform a complex computation."
From Latin *computatio* (“reckoning, calculation”), from *computare* (“to calculate, compute”), from *com-* (“with, together”) + *putare* (“to reckon, to think”).
The term has been in use since the 17th century, initially referring to mathematical calculations before extending to computer operations.
Memory tip
Think of "compute" - it's the act of doing the work.
Word Origin
"to reckon, to think"