scalar

scalar
/skay"leuhr/, adj.
1. representable by position on a scale or line; having only magnitude: a scalar variable.
2. of, pertaining to, or utilizing a scalar.
3. ladderlike in arrangement or organization; graduated: a scalar structure for promoting personnel.
n.
4. Math., Physics. a quantity possessing only magnitude. Cf. vector (def. 1a).
[1650-60; < L scalaris of a ladder. See SCALE3, -AR1]

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▪ mathematics and physics
      a physical quantity that is completely described by its magnitude; examples of scalars are volume, density, speed, energy, mass, and time. Other quantities, such as force and velocity, have both magnitude and direction and are called vectors (vector).

      Scalars are described by real numbers (real number) that are usually but not necessarily positive. The work done on a particle by a force, for example, is a negative number when the particle moves in a direction opposite to that in which the force acts. Scalars can be manipulated by the ordinary laws of algebra.

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Universalium. 2010.

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Look at other dictionaries:

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  • scalar — (adj.) resembling a ladder, 1650s, from L. scalaris of or pertaining to a ladder, from scalae (pl.) ladder, steps (see SCALE (Cf. scale) (n.2)). Mathematical sense first recorded 1846 …   Etymology dictionary

  • Scalar — A scalar is a variable that only has magnitude, e.g. a speed of 40 km/h. Compare it with vector, a quantity comprising both magnitude and direction, e.g. a velocity of 40km/h north .* Scalar (mathematics), a quantity which is independent of… …   Wikipedia

  • scalar — I. adjective Etymology: Latin scalaris, from scalae stairs, ladder more at scale Date: circa 1656 1. having an uninterrupted series of steps ; graduated < scalar chain of authority > < scalar cells > 2. a …   New Collegiate Dictionary

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  • scalar — sca•lar [[t]ˈskeɪ lər[/t]] adj. 1) math. representable by position on a scale or line; having only magnitude: a scalar variable[/ex] 2) math. of, pertaining to, or utilizing a scalar 3) ladderlike in arrangement or organization; graduated 4) math …   From formal English to slang

  • scalar — /ˈskeɪlə/ (say skayluh) Mathematics –adjective 1. representable by position on a line; having only magnitude: a scalar variable. 2. of or relating to a scalar, or something utilising scalars. –noun 3. a quantity possessing only magnitude… …  

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