scalar

scalar
I. adjective Etymology: Latin scalaris, from scalae stairs, ladder — more at scale Date: circa 1656 1. having an uninterrupted series of steps ; graduated <
scalar chain of authority
>
<
scalar cells
>
2. a. capable of being represented by a point on a scale <
scalar quantity
>
b. of or relating to a scalar or scalar product <
scalar multiplication
>
II. noun Date: 1846 1. a real number rather than a vector 2. a quantity (as mass or time) that has a magnitude describable by a real number and no direction

New Collegiate Dictionary. 2001.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • scalar — Mathematics & Physics ► ADJECTIVE ▪ having only magnitude, not direction. ► NOUN ▪ a scalar quantity (especially as opposed to a vector). ORIGIN Latin scalaris, from scala ladder …   English terms dictionary

  • scalar — [skā′lər] adj. [L scalaris, of a ladder < scalae, steps, ladder: see SCALE1] 1. in, on, or involving a scale or scales 2. Math. designating or of a quantity that has magnitude but no direction in space, as volume or temperature n. a scalar… …   English World dictionary

  • Scalar — Sca lar, n. (Math.) In the quaternion analysis, a quantity that has magnitude, but not direction; distinguished from a vector, which has both magnitude and direction. [1913 Webster] …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Scalar —   [lateinisch italienisch] der, s/ e, der Segelflosser …   Universal-Lexikon

  • scalar — (adj.) resembling a ladder, 1650s, from L. scalaris of or pertaining to a ladder, from scalae (pl.) ladder, steps (see SCALE (Cf. scale) (n.2)). Mathematical sense first recorded 1846 …   Etymology dictionary

  • Scalar — A scalar is a variable that only has magnitude, e.g. a speed of 40 km/h. Compare it with vector, a quantity comprising both magnitude and direction, e.g. a velocity of 40km/h north .* Scalar (mathematics), a quantity which is independent of… …   Wikipedia

  • scalar — SCALÁR1, scalari, s.m. Peşte originar din America de Sud, cu reflexe aurii şi brune, brăzdat de dungi transversale negre sau gri, folosit ca peşte de acvariu (Pteraphyllum scalare). – Din fr. scalaire. Trimis de cata, 22.04.2008. Sursa: DEX 98 … …   Dicționar Român

  • scalar — /skay leuhr/, adj. 1. representable by position on a scale or line; having only magnitude: a scalar variable. 2. of, pertaining to, or utilizing a scalar. 3. ladderlike in arrangement or organization; graduated: a scalar structure for promoting… …   Universalium

  • scalar — sca•lar [[t]ˈskeɪ lər[/t]] adj. 1) math. representable by position on a scale or line; having only magnitude: a scalar variable[/ex] 2) math. of, pertaining to, or utilizing a scalar 3) ladderlike in arrangement or organization; graduated 4) math …   From formal English to slang

  • scalar — /ˈskeɪlə/ (say skayluh) Mathematics –adjective 1. representable by position on a line; having only magnitude: a scalar variable. 2. of or relating to a scalar, or something utilising scalars. –noun 3. a quantity possessing only magnitude… …  

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