Pontifex maximus pointed out that the term existed before there were any bridges in Rome and derived the word from Old Latin "pontis" (sic) meaning a powerful or absolute master, while others derived it from "potis facere" in the sense of "able to sacrifice". The last derivation is mentioned also by Varro, who rejected it, but it was the view of Pontifex Maximus Quintus Scaevola. Others have held that the word was originally "pompifex" (leader of public processions). The word "pons" originally meant "way" and "pontifex" would thus mean "maker of roads and bridges". Another opinion is that the word is a
Calculation also involve algorithmic calculations, but produces ranges of possibilities rather than exact answers. To "calculate" means to determine mathematically in the case of a number or amount, or in the case of an abstract problem to deduce the answer using logic, reason or common sense. The English word derives from the Latin "calculus", which originally meant a small stone in the gall-bladder (from Latin "calx"). It also meant a pebble used for calculating, or a small stone used as a counter in an abacus (Latin "abacus", Greek "abax"). The abacus was an instrument used by Greeks and Romans for arithmetic