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com·pute

(kəm-pyt)

v. com·put·ed, com·put·ing, com·putes

v.tr.

1. To determine by mathematics, especially by numerical methods: computed the tax due. See Synonyms at calculate.

2. To determine by the use of a computer.

v.intr.

1. To determine an amount or number.

2. To use a computer.

3. To be reasonable, plausible, or consistent; make sense: Your alibi doesn't compute.

Computation: amounts beyond compute.

[French computer, from Old French, from Latin computāre : com-, com- + putāre, to reckon; see pau-² in the Appendix of Indo-European roots. N., Late Latin computus, from Latin computāre, to compute.]

com·put′a·bili·ty n.

com·puta·ble adj.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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