Computations

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act or process of performing mathematical calculations to find results
2. Carrying out arithmetic or logical operations to derive numerical answers
3. The systematic procedure of using numbers or formulas to solve problems or analyze data

Etymology: "Computations" is simply the plural of "computation," so its history is that of the singular noun. The root goes back to Latin "computare," meaning "sum up" or "reckon," built from "com-" (together) and "putare" (to count or think). Through Middle French "computation," the word reached English in late Middle English as "computacioun," and it has long meant the act of calculating a figure or total. The plural form is used when referring to several separate calculations or sets of calculations, such as the many worked-out sums in a scientific paper or engineering project. The singular and plural share the same origin, so the plural adds no new history of its own.

Synonyms: calculations, evaluations, assessments, analyses, determinations