calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords; used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records
quipu
How to use quipu in a sentence. Example sentences and definitions for quipu.
Editorial note
[5] The configuration of the quipus has been "compared to string mops.
Quick take
calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords; used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records
Meaning at a glance
The clearest senses and uses of quipu gathered in one view.
Definitions
Core meanings and parts of speech for quipu.
noun
calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords; used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records
Example sentences
[5] The configuration of the quipus has been "compared to string mops.
Like a Turing machine, if there were an infinitely long quipu, there is nothing it could not calculate.
A lot about the Inca isn't understood - their record keeping/message system for example, quipu.
This reminded me of the quipu:A quipu usually consisted of cotton or camelid fiber strings.
I bought a book in Arequipa or Cusco back in 2004 or so that described in detail a large amount of quipu that had been found in the area.
Did Stephenson extrapolate from the quipu or is it fundamentally different?
It's pretty widely settled now that quipu are a system for counting and bookkeeping and is not a writing system in the sense that it translates words or sounds into written equivalents.
Proper noun examples
"'Quipus can be traced back to China, and the fact that our indigenous people also utilized the quipu as a means of communication implies there should have been a direct contact among the two cultures,' said Vega.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers drawn from the clearest meanings and examples for this word.
How do you use quipu in a sentence?
[5] The configuration of the quipus has been "compared to string mops.
What does quipu mean?
calculator consisting of a cord with attached cords; used by ancient Peruvians for calculating and keeping records
What part of speech is quipu?
quipu is commonly used as noun.