vector

The definition of a vector is a quantity that has both size and direction, or an insect that is a carrier of a disease-producing organism.

(noun)

An example of a vector is wind speed because it is measured with two factors - speed and direction.
An example of a vector is a disease carrying bug.

See vector in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Biol. an animal, esp. an insect, that transmits a disease-producing organism from a host to a noninfected animal
Math.
1. a mathematical expression denoting a combination of magnitude and direction, as velocity
2. a directed line segment representing such an expression
3. an ordered set of real numbers, each denoting a distance on a coordinate axis
the particular course followed or to be followed, as by an aircraft; compass heading

Origin: ModL < L, bearer, carrier < vectus, pp. of vehere, to carry: see way

transitive verb

to guide (a pilot, aircraft, missile, etc.) by means of a vector (sense ) sent by radio

Related Forms:

See vector in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

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.
Pathology An organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that carries disease-causing microorganisms from one host to another.
Genetics A bacteriophage, plasmid, or other agent that transfers genetic material from one cell to another.
A force or influence.
A course or direction, as of an airplane.