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

Quantum computations can be described as extremely large tensors—mathematical structures far too big for direct classical simulation. —Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 29 Jan. 2026

Investors are rallying to the Taiwanese chip designer over excitement for its partnership with Google on tensor processing units, chips used for AI work. —Olivia Solon, Bloomberg, 27 Jan. 2026

The deal gave Anthropic access to as much as 1 million of Google’s tensor processing units. —Samantha Subin, CNBC, 27 Jan. 2026

In a potential policy shift for Apple, the two partners are discussing hosting the chatbot directly on Google servers running powerful chips known as TPUs, or tensor processing units. —Bloomberg, Mercury News, 22 Jan. 2026

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