How to pronounce calculus
Say it like KAL-kyuh-lus. Calculus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce calculus. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAL
- kyuh
- lus
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Calculus pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- kyuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- lusKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of calculus
American and British speakers say calculus in essentially the same way: /ˈkælkjələs/ in the US and /ˈkælkjʊləs/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAL-kyuu-lus.
What does calculus mean?
- a hard lump produced by the concretion of mineral salts; found in hollow organs or ducts of the body“renal calculi can be very painful”
- an incrustation that forms on the teeth and gums
- the branch of mathematics that is concerned with limits and with the differentiation and integration of functions
Questions about saying calculus
How do you pronounce calculus?
Say KAL-kyuh-lus. The American pronunciation is /ˈkælkjələs/. In British English it is /ˈkælkjʊləs/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in calculus?
Calculus has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL). Broken into parts: KAL · kyuh · lus.
Do Americans and Brits say calculus the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkælkjələs/ and the British form is /ˈkælkjʊləs/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.