computation

noun

com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce computation (audio)
-pyü-
1
a
: the act or action of computing : calculation
b
: the use or operation of a computer
2
: a system of reckoning
3
: an amount computed
computational
ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shnəl How to pronounce computation (audio)
-shə-nᵊl
-pyü-
adjective
computationally adverb

Examples of computation in a Sentence

methods used for the computation of taxes The solution required a series of computations.
Recent Examples on the Web The foundational ideas behind energy-efficient computation, however, have been developed as far back as 1991. Anna Herr, IEEE Spectrum, 15 May 2024 Human Brain as Supercomputer Brain-emulating computers hold the promise of vastly lower energy computation and better performance on certain tasks. IEEE Spectrum, 8 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for computation 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'computation.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of computation was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near computation

Cite this Entry

“Computation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computation. Accessed 28 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

computation

noun
com·​pu·​ta·​tion ˌkäm-pyu̇-ˈtā-shən How to pronounce computation (audio)
1
: the act or action of computing : calculation
2
: a system of calculating especially by mathematical means
3
: an amount computed
computational
-shnəl How to pronounce computation (audio)
-shən-ᵊl
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on computation

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