- 1. n. A contrivance employed by the ancient Peruvians, Mexicans, etc., as a substitute for writing and figures, consisting of a main cord, from which hung at certain distances smaller cords of various colors, each having a special meaning, as silver, gold, corn, soldiers. etc. Single, double, and triple knots were tied in the smaller cords, representing definite numbers. It was chiefly used for arithmetical purposes, and to register important facts and events. Source: opted
- 2. n. calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords; used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records Source: wordnet
- 3. A contrivance employed by the ancient Peruvians, Mexicans, etc., as a substitute for writing and figures, consisting of a main cord, from which hung at certain distances smaller cords of various colors, each having a special meaning, as silver, gold, corn, soldiers. etc. Single, double, and triple knots were tied in the smaller cords, representing definite numbers. It was chiefly used for arithmetical purposes, and to register important facts and events. [Written also quipo.] Tylor. The mysterious science of the quipus . . . supplied the Peruvians with the means of communicating their ideas to one another, and of transmitting them to future generations. Prescott. Source: webster
- 4. A contrivance employed by the ancient Peruvians, Mexicans,etc., as a substitute for writing and figures, consisting of a maincord, from which hung at certain distances smaller cords of variouscolors, each having a special meaning, as silver, gold, corn,soldiers. etc. Single, double, and triple knots were tied in thesmaller cords, representing definite numbers. It was chiefly used forarithmetical purposes, and to register important facts and events.[Written also quipo.] Tylor.The mysterious science of the quipus . . . supplied the Peruvianswith the means of communicating their ideas to one another, and oftransmitting them to future generations. Prescott. Source: adambom
- 5. n calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords; used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records Source: ecdict
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quipu
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