spreadsheet
UK: /ˈspred.ʃiːt/ | US: /ˈspred.ʃiːt/
n. a digital document or program used for organizing, calculating, and analyzing data in rows and columns.
n. (historically) a large sheet of paper used for displaying financial or numerical data.
spreadsheet = spread<to extend> + sheet<flat piece of material>
- spread (from Old English sprǣdan, meaning "to stretch out or extend")
- sheet (from Old English scēte, meaning "a broad, flat piece of cloth or paper")
Etymology Origin:
The term "spreadsheet" originated in the mid-20th century, combining "spread" (suggesting the expansion of data across a surface) and "sheet" (referring to the physical or digital grid). Initially used for manual accounting on large paper sheets, the word was later adopted for early computer programs that replicated this function, evolving into today’s digital tools like Excel.
She organized the budget using a detailed spreadsheet.
The accountant updated the spreadsheet with the latest sales figures.
Spreadsheets are essential for data analysis in business.
He created a spreadsheet to track his monthly expenses.
The teacher shared a spreadsheet with the students’ grades.