tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯr 

1

: a muscle that stretches a part

2

: a generalized vector with more than three components each of which is a function of the coordinates of an arbitrary point in space of an appropriate number of dimensions

Examples of tensor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

There has also been increasing attention on Google's tensor processing units, or TPUs, as the company expands availability of the in-house chip and gets closer to competing with chipmakers like Nvidia . —Pia Singh, CNBC, 24 Sep. 2025

When paired with a custom interpolation algorithm, this tensor-train technique makes an intractable problem solvable at a faster rate. —Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Sep. 2025

The software relies on tensor networks—mathematical tools originally developed to simulate quantum systems on classical hardware. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2025

Smartphones like the Google Pixel use tensor processing units (TPUs) that are intended to offer more secure facial unlocking features. —Rohan Pinto, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Latin tendere "to extend outward, stretch, draw tight" + -tor, agent suffix — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for tensor

• censer
• censor
• denser
• fencer
• sensor
• biosensor
• condenser
• dispenser
• extensor

Kids Definition

tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: a muscle that stretches a part

Medical Definition

tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: a muscle that stretches a part or makes it tense

called also tensor muscle