vector
/ˈvɛktər/
noun
- A quantity that has both magnitude and direction, often represented by an arrow.
- In physics class, we learned how to add vectors to find the net force.
- She drew a vector from the starting point to the destination.
- The wind's velocity is a vector because it has speed and a direction.
- An organism (such as an insect) that carries and transmits a disease or parasite.
- Mosquitoes are the main vector for malaria.
- Public health officials work to control the vector that spreads Lyme disease.
- The tick is a vector for several serious illnesses.
- A person, thing, or factor that carries or transmits something (e.g., an idea, influence, or gene).
- The virus uses a harmless bacterium as a vector to enter cells.
- Social media can be a powerful vector for spreading information.
- In genetics, a plasmid is often used as a vector to insert a new gene.
Synonyms
Antonyms
verb
- To guide or direct something (especially an aircraft or missile) along a specific path.
- The air traffic controller vectored the plane to a different runway.
- They vectored the drone around the storm.
- The missile was vectored toward its target by radar.