slipstick
Logarithmic computing tool
A slipstick is a slide rule—the handheld calculating device with sliding logarithmic scales that engineers and scientists used before electronic calculators.
The term is informal, almost affectionate: My grandfather still has his old slipstick from engineering school.
The word captures the sliding action of the central strip.
Exponent-finding operations
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- multiplicationProduct-finding operation
- divisionSplitting into parts
- trigonometryTriangle angle mathematics
squares · cubes · roots · exponents · sine · cosine · tangent · antilogarithm
Accuracy of measurement
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- gaugeStandard of measurement
resolution · graduations · markings · readout · estimation · interpolation · alignment · cursor
Creating technical blueprints
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- calculationsMathematical problem-solving work
- mechanicalOperated by machinery
- aerospaceAtmosphere plus outer void
structural · thermodynamics · dynamics · kinematics · fluids · tolerance · prototyping · design
logarithms
Exponent-finding operations
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
- multiplicationProduct-finding operation
- divisionSplitting into parts
trigonometry · squares · cubes · roots · exponents · sine · cosine · tangent · antilogarithm · analog
precision
Accuracy of measurement
- accuracyDegree of correctness
- calibrationAdjusting for measurement accuracy
- scalesPlates or weighing devices
gauge · resolution · graduations · markings · readout · estimation · interpolation · alignment · cursor · hairline
drafting
Creating technical blueprints
- blueprintDetailed technical drawing
- calculationsMathematical problem-solving work
- mechanicalOperated by machinery
aerospace · structural · thermodynamics · dynamics · kinematics · fluids · tolerance · prototyping · design · specifications
analog
Comparable equivalent
nostalgia · museum · retro · superseded · desktop · pocket · circular
slipstickelectronic calculator
Digital arithmetic device
pocket calculator · scientific calculator · graphing calculator · computer · smartphone
slip, stick, slips, slipped, slipping, slipper, slippers, slippery, sticks