Vectors - Definition and Overview

The word vector means "carrier" in Latin; it is derived from the Latin verb vehere, which means to carry.

• In mathematics, it generally refers to any element of an abstractly-defined vector space over a field.
  • Vector (spatial): In physics and engineering, vector most often refers specifically to an object that has a special relationship to the spatial coordinates/directions, i.e. an element of a tangent bundle.
    • Related concepts include: four-vector (the generalization to space and time in relativity), pseudovector, vector calculus, vector bundle, unit vector, null vector and normal vector.
  • If the vector space is finite-dimensional, its vectors are commonly denoted by matrices with dimensions n×1 (column vector) or 1×n (row vector).
  • Other specific types of vector include: probability vector.
• In computer science:
  • In computer programming, the same as list or one-dimensional array.
    • a vector supercomputer has SIMD operations that work on arrays of several numbers at once
    • dope vector
    • In operating systems, a memory location
    • In Java, java.util.Vector is a standard class implementing a dynamically sized array.
  • Vector graphics describes a line or move in computer graphics
  • Vector (computing) is the method that malicious code (viruses, etc) uses to propagate itself. (from the concept of biological vector below)
• In biology, a vector is a mechanism that transmits genes or organisms. Most often used in the context of transmission of diseases.
• A person or entity that passes along an urban legend. (also from the concept of biological vector)
• The Vector is the name of New Jersey Institute of Technology's school newspaper
• Vector is the name of a 1980s new wave rock band
• Vector is a cereal manufactured by Kellogg's
• Vector Marketing is the multi-level marketing firm that sells Cutco knives
• And the German supersportscarmarket Vector (cars)