Computor

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈkɒmpjʊtɔːr/

Definitions

• An archaic term for a person who performs computations.
• A variant spelling of "computer," though rarely used in modern contexts.

Usage Examples

• In the 18th century, a computor was employed to calculate astronomical data.
• Some old texts use the term "computor" instead of "computer."

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "computare" (to calculate), "computor" was historically used to describe a person who performed calculations manually before the widespread use of electronic computers.

Synonyms

• Calculator
• Mathematician
• Reckoner
• Human computer

Antonyms

• Non-mathematician
• Layperson

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /ˈkɒmpjʊtɔːr/
• American English: /ˈkɑːmpjutɔːr/
• Australian English: /ˈkɒmpjʊtɔːr/

Historical Usage

Historically, "computor" referred to human calculators who performed mathematical calculations before the advent of mechanical and electronic computing devices.

Cultural Nuances

The term "computor" has largely fallen out of use, replaced by "computer," which now exclusively refers to electronic machines rather than people.

More Information

In early computing history, the term "computor" was commonly used to describe human mathematicians who performed extensive calculations manually. Over time, as mechanical and digital computers were developed, the term was replaced with "computer" to refer to the machines rather than the people operating them.