Definition

Noun: 1. A calculating machine that automatically records and totals data, especially one that counts occurrences: A tabulator is a device, often mechanical or electromechanical, designed to count and summarize numerical data, frequently by punching or reading holes in cards or paper tape. 2. A key on a typewriter or computer keyboard (often labeled "Tab") that sets stops for aligning text in columns: In this context, the tabulator is the mechanism or key used to move a typing element to a predetermined position to create structured, aligned text.

Examples of Usage

• As a data-processing machine:
  • The 1890 U.S. Census used a tabulator invented by Herman Hollerith to process data much faster than by hand.
  • Early accounting departments relied on punch cards and a tabulator to generate financial reports.
• As a key or mechanism for alignment:
  • Press the tabulator key to indent the first line of your paragraph.
  • Use the tabulator to align the numbers in the right-hand column.

Advanced Usage

• Historical Context: The term "tabulator" is strongly associated with early data processing. Hollerith's tabulating machine was a precursor to modern computers, and companies like IBM were originally known for manufacturing such tabulators.
• "Tabulator function": Refers to the capability within software to organize data into a table format or to navigate between fields in a form.

Variants and Related Words

• Tabulate (verb): To arrange data in a table or systematic list.
  • The researcher will tabulate the survey results.
• Tabulation (noun): The process or result of arranging data in a table.
  • The tabulation of the votes took several hours.
• Tab (noun): A common shortening of "tabulator key."
  • Navigate between fields using the Tab key.

Synonyms

• Counter: A device or person that counts.
• Adding machine: A device for performing arithmetic calculations.
• Tab key: Specifically for the keyboard function.

Related Phrases

• Tabulator stop: A set position to which the tabulator mechanism moves.
  • You need to clear the old tabulator stops before setting new ones for this document.

Noun

1. a calculator that keeps a record of the number of times something happens