vector
Vector (noun) means In math and physics, a quantity that has both a size (magnitude) and a direction. Example: “Velocity is a vector because it includes both speed and direction.”
How to use vector
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething with direction and size (in math/physics), or a carrier that spreads disease.
In casual speech people sometimes use "vector" loosely to mean any direction or path, which blurs the precise math meaning.
Word forms
vectored past tense, vectors plural, vectors singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Velocity is a _____ because it includes both speed and direction.
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.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for 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.
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