Napier's bones

noun

: a set of graduated rods (as of wood or bone) invented by John Napier and used for multiplication and division based on the principles of logarithms

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Napier's bones was in 1646

Cite this Entry

“Napier's bones.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Napier%27s%20bones. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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