a counting device that consists of a frame holding rods on which a specific number of beads are free to move. Each rod designates a given denomination, such as units, tens, hundreds, etc, in the decimal system, and each bead represents a digit or a specific number of digits
2. architecture
the flat upper part of the capital of a column
Word origin
C16: from Latin, from Greek abax board covered with sand for tracing calculations, from Hebrew ābhāq dust