calculous
|cal-cu-lous|
/ˈkælkjʊləs/
relating to stones/calculi
Etymology
'calculous' originates from Latin (via New/Modern Latin), specifically the word 'calculus', where 'calculus' meant 'small stone, pebble'.
'calculous' was formed in English by adding the adjectival suffix '-ous' to Latin 'calculus' (used in Medieval and New Latin to mean a small stone or a counting pebble), giving a word meaning 'of or relating to calculi (stones)'.
Initially it referred to 'of or relating to small stones or pebbles'; over time it came to mean specifically 'relating to the presence of calculi (stones) in the body' and, more rarely, 'relating to calculation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
relating to or characterized by the presence of calculi (stones) in a body organ or passage (medical usage).
The patient was diagnosed with calculous cholecystitis due to multiple gallstones.
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Adjective 2
(rare) Resulting from or involving calculation; calculated.
Her decision felt calculous rather than impulsive.
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Last updated: 2025/10/17 19:53