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scalar

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adjective sca·lar \ˈskā-lər-, -ˌlär\

Definition of scalar

  1. 1 :  having an uninterrupted series of steps :  graduated scalar chain of authority scalar cells

  2. 2a :  capable of being represented by a point on a scale scalar quantityb :  of or relating to a scalar or scalar product scalar multiplication

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Origin and Etymology of scalar

Latin scalaris, from scalae stairs, ladder — more at scale

2

scalar

noun sca·lar

Definition of scalar

  1. 1 :  a real number rather than a vector

  2. 2 :  a quantity (such as mass or time) that has a magnitude describable by a real number and no direction

First Known Use of scalar

1846

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

Learn More about scalar

  1. See words that rhyme with scalar Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about scalar

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