vector
6 synonyms for vector, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — In math and physics, a quantity that has both a size (magnitude) and a direction.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use vector
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
disease vector
vector graphics
vector field
Etymology
A learned borrowing from Latin vector ("carrier"), from vehere ("to carry") — the same root as "vehicle." The math sense was coined by Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton in 1846.
Full origin of vector →Frequently asked questions
What does “vector” mean?
The word “vector” means in math and physics, a quantity that has both a size (magnitude) and a direction. In plain terms, something with direction and size (in math/physics), or a carrier that spreads disease.
How do you pronounce “vector”?
“Vector” is pronounced VEHK-tuh (/ˈvɛktɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “vector” in a sentence?
Here is “vector” used in a sentence: “Velocity is a vector because it includes both speed and direction.”
What part of speech is “vector”?
Depending on how it is used, “vector” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “vector” come from?
The word “vector” dates back to around 1846 and comes from Latin. A learned borrowing from Latin vector ("carrier"), from vehere ("to carry") — the same root as "vehicle." The math sense was coined by Irish mathematician William Rowan Hamilton in 1846.
Is “vector” a common word?
“Vector” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “vector” have?
“Vector” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: in math and physics, a quantity that has both a size (magnitude) and a direction.
What is the difference between a vector and a scalar?
In math and physics, a vector is a quantity that has both a size (magnitude) and a direction, such as velocity or force. A scalar has magnitude only, such as temperature or mass. In short, a vector tells you how much and which way, while a scalar only tells you how much.
What is the difference between vector and raster graphics?
Vector graphics are defined by mathematical outlines, so they can be resized to any scale without losing sharpness. Raster graphics are made of a fixed grid of pixels, so they blur when enlarged. Logos and icons are typically drawn as vectors, while photographs are raster images.
