-
- To save this word, you'll need to log in.
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
There’s no need to turn back the clock to the days of typewriters and slide rules, but our universities could benefit from prioritizing good old-fashioned interaction.
—
Aden Barton, Washington Post, 9 July 2024
McNeil continued to yell at second base umpire Jonathan Parra while the Mets challenged the force out call for a slide rule violation.
—
Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 29 Mar. 2024
As typewriters once symbolized the writer, slide rules symbolized the engineer.
—
Alex Traub, New York Times, 10 Feb. 2024
Kare is himself a sci-fi hound and a collector of sci-fi memorabilia, as well as an aficionado of antique engineering instruments, including a helical slide rule and an Edison-era voltmeter, both on display in his living room .
—
IEEE Spectrum, 31 Jan. 2011
See all Example Sentences for slide rule ![](/dist-cross-dungarees/2024-08-15--15-22-11-hrh2al/images/svg/redesign/arrow-right-exemplar.svg)
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
Articles Related to slide rule
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 18 Aug. 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
More from Merriam-Webster on slide rule
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about slide rule
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share