vector

[ vek-ter ]

noun

1. Mathematics.
   1. a quantity possessing both magnitude and direction, represented by an arrow the direction of which indicates the direction of the quantity and the length of which is proportional to the magnitude. Compare scalar ( def 4 ).
   2. such a quantity with the additional requirement that such quantities obey the parallelogram law of addition.
   3. such a quantity with the additional requirement that such quantities are to transform in a particular way under changes of the coordinate system.
   4. any generalization of the above quantities.
2. the direction or course followed by an airplane, missile, or the like.
3. Biology.
   1. an insect or other organism that transmits a pathogenic fungus, virus, bacterium, etc.
   2. any agent that acts as a carrier or transporter, as a virus or plasmid that conveys a genetically engineered DNA segment into a host cell.
4. Computers. an array of data ordered such that individual items can be located with a single index or subscript.

verb (used with object)

1. Aeronautics. to guide (an aircraft) in flight by issuing appropriate headings.
2. Aerospace. to change direction of (the thrust of a jet or rocket engine) in order to steer the craft.

vector

/ vɛkˈtɔːrɪəl; ˈvɛktə /

noun

1. Also calledpolar vector maths a variable quantity, such as force, that has magnitude and direction and can be resolved into components that are odd functions of the coordinates. It is represented in print by a bold italic symbol: F or ̄F Compare pseudoscalar pseudovector scalar tensor
2. maths an element of a vector space
3. Also calledcarrier pathol an organism, esp an insect, that carries a disease-producing microorganism from one host to another, either within or on the surface of its body
4. Also calledcloning vector genetics an agent, such as a bacteriophage or a plasmid, by means of which a fragment of foreign DNA is inserted into a host cell to produce a gene clone in genetic engineering
5. the course or compass direction of an aircraft
6. any behavioural influence, force, or drive

verb

1. to direct or guide (a pilot, aircraft, etc) by directions transmitted by radio
2. to alter the direction of (the thrust of a jet engine) as a means of steering an aircraft

vector

/ vĕk′tər /

1. A quantity, such as the velocity of an object or the force acting on an object, that has both magnitude and direction.
2. Compare scalar
3. An organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that spreads pathogens from one host to another.
4. A bacteriophage, plasmid, or other agent that transfers genetic material from one cell to another.

vector

1. In physics and mathematics , any quantity with both a magnitude and a direction. For example, velocity is a vector because it describes both how fast something is moving and in what direction it is moving. Because velocity is a vector, other quantities in which velocity is a factor, such as acceleration and momentum , are vectors also.

Derived Forms

• vectorial, adjective
• vecˈtorially, adverb

Other Words From

• vec·to·ri·al [vek-, tawr, -ee-, uh, l, -, tohr, -], adjective
• vec·tori·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of vector¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; from Latin: “carrier,” from vec- (variant stem of vehere “to carry”) + -tor -tor

Word History and Origins

Origin of vector¹

C18: from Latin: carrier, from vehere to convey

Example Sentences

“The breadth of vector research has something for everyone whether you are an entomologist that likes bugs, taxonomy and systematics, ecology, disease epidemiology, protein biochemistry and bioinformatics, genomics or field studies. The more we learn about hemophages, the more we realize how intricate they are. You must admire them for their complexity. Even if they turn out to be living nightmares.”

From Salon

The US Treasury said it had sanctioned Xiamen Limbach Aircraft Engine Co - which makes engines that power Russia's Garpiya long-range drones - and Redlepus Vector Industry Shenzhen Co for its involvement in shipment.

From BBC

“We will continue aggressive mosquito control efforts, weekly surveillance testing, and public education to help protect public health and mitigate the risk of further transmission,” said Jason Farned, San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District manager.

From Los Angeles Times

Farned urged residents to take take advantage of free vector control services including inspection and abatement of mosquito breeding sites at their homes.

From Los Angeles Times

The new cases are under investigation by the health department in partnership with the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito Vector Control District, officials said Tuesday.

From Los Angeles Times