noun
calculation sticks; counting rods
Historical mathematical tools: small sticks used for arithmetic in East Asia before the abacus became common. Often encountered in historical or mathematical contexts.
算木は古代中国で発明され、日本にも伝わった計算道具だ。
Counting rods were invented in ancient China and later introduced to Japan as a calculation tool.
noun
divining rods; divination sticks
Used in traditional East Asian divination, such as 易占 (I Ching divination). The same physical sticks may serve both calculation and divination purposes historically.
易者が算木を並べて占いを始めた。
The diviner laid out the divining rods and began the fortune-telling.