Tensor

/ˈtɛn.sər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A mathematical object that generalizes scalars, vectors, and matrices, and is used to represent linear relations between geometric vectors, scalars, and other tensors.

In physics, the stress tensor is used to describe the distribution of internal forces within a material.

A multidimensional array that can represent data in multiple dimensions.

The neural network model utilized a tensor to manage the inputs and outputs efficiently.

A tensor product is a construct that combines two tensors to produce a new tensor.

The tensor product of two matrices results in a new matrix that represents the combined information of both.

Etymology

From Latin 'tensores', meaning 'to stretch'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

tensor calculus

A branch of mathematics that deals with the manipulation of tensors.

rank of a tensor

The number of dimensions or axes that the tensor has.

Related Words

scalar

A single value that is invariant under coordinate transformations.

vector

A one-dimensional array of values that has both magnitude and direction.

Slang Meanings

Used to refer to someone who is very intense or serious about mathematics.

He's such a tensor, always analyzing every little detail.