slide rule

noun

: a manual device used for calculation that consists in its simple form of a ruler and a movable middle piece which are graduated with similar logarithmic scales

Examples of slide rule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In an email, Professor Pasquale explained the pedagogical value of slide rules. Alex Traub, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2024 Certain threw his briefcase, slide rule, pencils and charts behind him, not wanting any loose items stabbing him. Jeremy Redmon, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Oct. 2023 For a more minimalist look, the 32 mm Navitimers feature the beaded bezel but not the slide rule. Carol Besler, Robb Report, 7 Sep. 2023 Many of us would now struggle to perform the mental arithmetic which our parents and grandparents learned, and would be stumped if asked to perform calculations with a slide rule. Calum Chace, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2023 Over a four-decade career that began with slide rules and moved into the age of computer modeling, Ms. Norwood became known as a resourceful problem solver who often hit upon simple but effective solutions. Brian Murphy, Washington Post, 30 Mar. 2023 When a violation of the slide rule occurs, the offending runner and the batter-runner will be called out. Dallas News, 11 Apr. 2022 An engineer who did his or her calculations using a chalkboard and a slide rule instead of a graphing calculator can bring critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills to the table that originate from a much different perspective than the average millennial. John Boitnott, USA TODAY, 17 Feb. 2021 Tange used only a slide rule and his imagination. Stephen Wade, Star Tribune, 5 Aug. 2020

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'slide rule.' 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

1663, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of slide rule was in 1663

Dictionary Entries Near slide rule

Cite this Entry

“Slide rule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/slide%20rule. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

slide rule

noun
: an instrument used for calculation that in its simple form consists of a ruler with a movable middle piece

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