scalar

1 of 2

adjective

sca·​lar ˈskā-lər 

-ˌlär

1

: having an uninterrupted series of steps : graduated

scalar chain of authority

scalar cells

2

a

: capable of being represented by a point on a scale

scalar quantity

b

: of or relating to a scalar or scalar product

scalar multiplication

scalar

2 of 2

noun

1

: a real number rather than a vector

2

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

Examples of scalar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

These scalar and vector operators for computing activations and averages are typically calculated on a CPU or a digital signal processor (DSP) to speed vector operations. —Karl Freund, Forbes.com, 7 May 2025

The volume-to-surfaces decomposition is achieved by optimizing for a scalar field within the volume that represents the fabrication sequence. —Erico Guizzo, IEEE Spectrum, 19 May 2018

Noun

By placing the scalar, tensor, and vector accelerators next to one another, the workloads can be shared among them. —Mark Hachman, PCWorld, 2 Dec. 2020

Their next step is to make more realistic calculations that go beyond elementary scalar fields and incorporate messier forms of matter and radiation. —Quanta Magazine, 2 Dec. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin scalaris, from scalae stairs, ladder — more at scale entry 5

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing scalar

• scalar product

Rhymes for scalar

• bailer
• bailor
• baler
• jailer
• jailor
• paler
• sailer
• sailor
• scaler
• tailor
• trailer
• whaler

Kids Definition

scalar

1 of 2 adjective

sca·​lar ˈskā-lər 

-ˌlär

1

: arranged like a ladder : graduated

scalar chain of authority

2

a

: able to be represented by a point on a scale

a scalar quantity

b

: of or relating to a scalar

scalar multiplication

scalar

2 of 2 noun

1

: a real number rather than a vector

2

: a quantity (as mass or time) that has a magnitude which can be described by a real number but no direction