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

Depending on its symmetry, a crystal’s stress tensor—a matrix that captures how a material deforms under stress—looks different. —WIRED, 10 Dec. 2023

This tensor is the mathematical link to the fluid dynamics equations Giomi wanted to use to connect physical forces and biological functions. —WIRED, 10 Dec. 2023

Altman had been reportedly pitching a separate startup to build custom, Nvidia-rivaling AI tensor processing unit (TPU) chips to investors recently, according to The New York Times. —Jacob Kastrenakes, The Verge, 20 Nov. 2023

Some people can even voluntarily control their tensor tympani, a muscle in the ear that can open up the eustachian tubes. —Stefanie Waldek, Travel + Leisure, 25 Nov. 2023

The Leiden biophysicists devised a mathematical object called a shape tensor to capture information about the cells’ shapes and directions. —Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 25 Oct. 2023

Depending on its symmetry, a crystal’s stress tensor — a matrix that captures how a material deforms under stress — looks different. —Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 25 Oct. 2023

Your primary hip abductors include your two smaller butt muscles, the gluteus medius and the gluteus minimus, as well as your tensor fasciae latae (also known as the TFL, a muscle located at the outside of the hip), Fagin says. —Jenny McCoy, SELF, 6 July 2023

With the exception of my tensor fasciae latae (TFL) muscle tightening up and the nagging cold, the rest of my body felt okay. —Michael Clinton, Men's Health, 14 June 2023

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

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