sca·lar (sk  l r, -lär )n. 1. a. A quantity, such as mass, length, or speed, that is completely specified by its magnitude and has no direction. b. Mathematics A number, numerical quantity, or element in a field. 2. A device that yields an output equal to the input multiplied by a constant, as in a linear amplifier. adj. Of or relating to a scalar. [Latin sc lris, of a ladder, from sclae, ladder; see scale2.] |
scalar [ˈskeɪlə]
n
1. (Mathematics) a quantity, such as time or temperature, that has magnitude but not direction Compare vector [1] tensor [2] pseudoscalar, pseudovector
2. (Mathematics) Maths an element of a field associated with a vector space
adj
(Mathematics) having magnitude but not direction
[C17 (meaning: resembling a ladder): from Latin scālāris, from scāla ladder]
| scalar (sklr) A quantity, such as mass, length, or speed, whose only property is magnitude; a number. Compare vector. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | scalar - a variable quantity that cannot be resolved into components variable quantity, variable - a quantity that can assume any of a set of values |
| Adj. | 1. | scalar - of or relating to a musical scale; "he played some basic scalar patterns on his guitar" |
| 2. | scalar - of or relating to a directionless magnitude (such as mass or speed etc.) that is completely specified by its magnitude; "scalar quantity" |
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