vector
vector
(ˈvɛktə
) noun
1 Also called: polar vector mathematics 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 (sense 1),
tensor (sense 2)
2 mathematics an element of a vector space
3 Also called: carrier pathology 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 called: cloning 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 (transitive)
7 to direct or guide (a pilot, aircraft, etc) by directions transmitted by radio
8 to alter the direction of (the thrust of a jet engine) as a means of steering an aircraft
[C18: from Latin: carrier, from vehere to convey]
> vectorial (vɛkˈtɔːrɪəl
) adjective
> vecˈtorially adverb
