'abacus' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'abacus', which was derived from the Greek word 'abax', meaning 'table' or 'tablet'.

'abax' transformed into the Latin word 'abacus', and eventually became the modern English word 'abacus'.

Initially, it meant 'a flat surface or table', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a calculating device'.