vectoring

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vec·tor

(vĕk′tər)

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. An organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that carries disease-causing microorganisms from one host to another.

3. 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 (vĕk-tôr′ē-əl) adj.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

vectoring

(ˈvɛktərɪŋ)

the act of vectoring or guiding aircraft using vectors

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

References in periodicals archive ?

Air traffic controllers have quite a few options for saying one simple thing: "Turn your airplane." Each vectoring method, like a hammer or a pair of pliers, is a specialized tool designed to fit a particular situation.

As you fly, you may hear a variety of vectoring radio phraseology on a daily basis.

This way or that-a-way

Vectoring usually is a rather simple way to get from A to B.

In the context of vectoring, these are known as "non-radar routes." A vector also can end when the pilot reports the airport in sight and can proceed visually.

The zen of vectors: they're a great way to cut corners or avoid problems, but can leave a few things open to interpretation

Called thrust vectoring, this gives fighter pilots greater maneuverability and a coveted edge over the enemy.

Thrust vectoring nozzles give pilots an edge

For most purposes, the minimum vectoring altitude (MVA) identified for an area is the minimum altitude that ATC can provide radar vectors.