vector

 
Pronunciation: /ˈvɛktə/

noun

  • 1 Mathematics & Physics a quantity having direction as well as magnitude, especially as determining the position of one point in space relative to another.
  • a matrix with one row or one column.
  • [as modifier] Computing denoting a type of graphical representation using lines to construct the outlines of objects.
  • 2an organism, typically a biting insect or tick, that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another.
  • Genetics a bacteriophage or plasmid which transfers genetic material into a cell, or from one bacterium to another.
  • 3a course to be taken by an aircraft.

verb

[with object and adverbial of direction]
  • direct (an aircraft in flight) to a desired point: two Hurricanes were vectored towards the Stukas

Derivatives

vectorial

Pronunciation: /-ˈtɔːrɪəl/
adjective

vectorially

adverb

vectorization

Pronunciation: /-tərʌɪˈzeɪʃ(ə)n/
(also vectorisation) noun
vector (sense 1 of the noun).

vectorize

(also vectorise) verb
vector (sense 1 of the noun).

Origin:

mid 19th century: from Latin, literally 'carrier', from vehere 'convey'

Spelling help

The ending of vector is spelled -or.