vec·tor (vĕk'tər)
n.

1. Mathematics.
   1. A quantity, such as velocity, completely specified by a magnitude and a direction.
   2. A one-dimensional array.
   3. An element of a vector space.
2. Pathology. An organism, such as a mosquito or tick, that carries disease-causing microorganisms from one host to another.
3. Genetics. A bacteriophage, plasmid, or other agent that transfers genetic material from one cell to another.
4. A force or influence.
5. A course or direction, as of an airplane.

tr.v., -tored, -tor·ing, -tors.
To guide (a pilot or aircraft, for example) by means of radio communication according to vectors.

[Latin, carrier, from vehere, vect-, to carry.]

vectorial vec·to'ri·al (vĕk-tôr'ē-əl, -tōr'-) adj.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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