scalar

[ skey-ler ]

/ ˈskeɪ lər /

adjective

representable by position on a scale or line; having only magnitude: a scalar variable.

of, relating to, or utilizing a scalar.

ladderlike in arrangement or organization; graduated: a scalar structure for promoting personnel.

noun

Mathematics, Physics. a quantity possessing only magnitude.Compare vector(def 1a).

Words nearby scalar

scala, la, scalability, scalable, scalade, scalage, scalar, scalar field, scalar multiplication, scalar product, scalar triple product, scalare

Origin of scalar

First recorded in 1650–60, scalar is from the Latin word scālāris of a ladder. See scale³, -ar¹

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for scalar

scalar

/ (ˈskeɪlə) /

noun

a quantity, such as time or temperature, that has magnitude but not directionCompare vector (def. 1), tensor (def. 2), pseudoscalar, pseudovector

maths an element of a field associated with a vector space

adjective

having magnitude but not direction

Word Origin for scalar

C17 (meaning: resembling a ladder): from Latin scālāris, from scāla ladder

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for scalar

scalar

[ skā′lər ]

A quantity, such as mass, length, or speed, whose only property is magnitude; a number. Compare vector.