Napier's bones
noun (used with a singular verb) Mathematics.
a form of multiplication table originally marked on sticks of bone or ivory that could be rearranged to carry out the operations of multiplication or division.
Also called
Napier's rods.
Origin of Napier's bones
First recorded in 1650–60; after their developer, J.
Napier
British Dictionary definitions for napier's bones
Napier's bones
pl n
a set of graduated rods formerly used for multiplication and division
Word Origin for Napier's bones
C17: based on a method invented by John
Napier