vec·tor (v k t r)n. 1. Mathematics a. A quantity, such as velocity, completely specified by a magnitude and a direction. b. A one-dimensional array. c. An element of a vector space. 2. Pathology An organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that carries disease-causing microorganisms from one host to another. 3. Genetics A bacteriophage, plasmid, or other agent that transfers genetic material from one cell to another. 4. A force or influence. 5. A course or direction, as of an airplane. tr.v. vec·tored, vec·tor·ing, vec·tors To guide (a pilot or aircraft, for example) by means of radio communication according to vectors. [Latin, carrier, from vehere, vect-, to carry; see wegh- in Indo-European roots.] vec·to ri·al (vk-tôr -l, -t r-) adj. |
vector [ˈvɛktə]
n
1. (Mathematics) Also called polar 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 F̄ Compare pseudoscalar, pseudovector, scalar [1] tensor [2]
2. (Mathematics) Maths an element of a vector space
3. (Medicine / Pathology) Also called carrier 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. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Genetics) 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. (Mathematics & Measurements / Navigation) the course or compass direction of an aircraft
6. any behavioural influence, force, or drive
vb (tr)
1. (Mathematics & Measurements / Navigation) to direct or guide (a pilot, aircraft, etc.) by directions transmitted by radio
2. (Engineering / Aeronautics) to alter the direction of (the thrust of a jet engine) as a means of steering an aircraft
[from Latin: carrier, from vehere to convey]
vectorial [vɛkˈtɔːrɪəl] adj
vectorially adv
| vector (vktr) 1. A quantity, such as the velocity of an object or the force acting on an object, that has both magnitude and direction. Compare scalar. 2. An organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that spreads pathogens from one host to another. 3. A bacteriophage, plasmid, or other agent that transfers genetic material from one cell to another. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | vector - a variable quantity that can be resolved into components variable quantity, variable - a quantity that can assume any of a set of values cross product, vector product - a vector that is the product of two other vectors vector sum, resultant - a vector that is the sum of two or more other vectors radius vector - a line connecting a point in space to the origin of a polar coordinate system radius vector - a line connecting a satellite to the center of the body around which it is rotating |
| 2. | vector - a straight line segment whose length is magnitude and whose orientation in space is direction straight line - a line traced by a point traveling in a constant direction; a line of zero curvature; "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line" ray - (mathematics) a straight line extending from a point | |
| 3. |  vector - any agent (person or animal or microorganism) that carries and transmits a disease; "mosquitos are vectors of malaria and yellow fever"; "fleas are vectors of the plague"; "aphids are transmitters of plant diseases"; "when medical scientists talk about vectors they are usually talking about insects"animal, animate being, beast, creature, fauna, brute - a living organism characterized by voluntary movement micro-organism, microorganism - any organism of microscopic size agent - an active and efficient cause; capable of producing a certain effect; "their research uncovered new disease agents" gene delivery vector, transducing vector - a vector for delivering genes into cells immune carrier, carrier - (medicine) a person (or animal) who has some pathogen to which he is immune but who can pass it on to others | |
| 4. | vector - (genetics) a virus or other agent that is used to deliver DNA to a cell virus - (virology) ultramicroscopic infectious agent that replicates itself only within cells of living hosts; many are pathogenic; a piece of nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) wrapped in a thin coat of protein cosmid - (genetics) a large vector that is made from a bacteriophage and used to clone genes or gene fragments genetic science, genetics - the branch of biology that studies heredity and variation in organisms |
Translations
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