vector sum
noun
: the sum of a number of vectors that for the sum of two vectors is geometrically represented by the diagonal of a parallelogram whose sides represent the two vectors being added
Examples of vector sum in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The electric field at any point is just the vector sum of the fields due to each charge.
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WIRED, 27 Oct. 2023
Since each set of directions is what mathematicians call a vector, the combination is a vector sum.
—Dana MacKenzie, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2023
The total force is just the vector sum of these two forces (called the net force).
—Rhett Allain, Wired, 8 Oct. 2020
This means that the total electric field at any location is the vector sum of the electric field due to whatever point charges are nearby.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 6 Aug. 2019
WIRED, 27 Oct. 2023
Since each set of directions is what mathematicians call a vector, the combination is a vector sum.
—Dana MacKenzie, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2023
The total force is just the vector sum of these two forces (called the net force).
—Rhett Allain, Wired, 8 Oct. 2020
This means that the total electric field at any location is the vector sum of the electric field due to whatever point charges are nearby.
—Rhett Allain, WIRED, 6 Aug. 2019
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vector sum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1890, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near vector sum
Cite this Entry
“Vector sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vector%20sum. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.
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