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scalar

[skey-ler]

adjective

  1. representable by position on a scale or line; having only magnitude.

    a scalar variable.

  2. of, relating to, or utilizing a scalar.

  3. ladderlike in arrangement or organization; graduated.

    a scalar structure for promoting personnel.



noun

  1. Mathematics, Physics.,  a quantity possessing only magnitude.

scalar

/ ˈskeɪlə /

noun

  1. a quantity, such as time or temperature, that has magnitude but not direction Compare vector tensor pseudoscalar pseudovector

  2. maths an element of a field associated with a vector space

“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

adjective

  1. having magnitude but not direction

“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

scalar

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

  2. Compare vector

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Word History and Origins

Origin of scalar1

First recorded in 1650–60, scalar is from the Latin word scālāris of a ladder. See scale 3, -ar 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of scalar1

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

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A sentient, integrated planetary AI could bridge the scalar divide, aligning humanity’s actions with planetary needs, coordinating resources, and offering a level of problem-solving agility previously unimaginable.

Read more on Salon

To calculate the angle between two vectors, you multiply them together using the scalar product and then divide by the two vector lengths.

Read more on Scientific American

The short third movement — featuring scalar, zigzagging, independent parts for flute, vibraphone and strings — heralded a brief but hard-won freedom.

Read more on New York Times

You can hear in it some scalar patterns familiar from tracks like “The Golden Fang.”

Read more on New York Times

Additionally, Qualcomm is promising big improvements in both scalar and tensor AI tasks as part of those upgrades.

Read more on The Verge

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