Scalar

/ˈskeɪlər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A quantity that is fully described by a magnitude alone.

Temperature is a scalar, as it only has a magnitude without direction.

In mathematics and physics, a scalar is an element of a field that can be used to scale vectors.

In the equation, we multiplied the vector by a scalar to adjust its length.

adjective

Relating to a quantity that is completely described by a single numerical value.

The scalar properties of the system simplify the calculations.

Pertaining to a mathematical object that can be expressed as a single number.

The scalar value provided the necessary input for the computation.

Derived from Latin 'scalaris', meaning 'ladder, stair', from 'scala' meaning 'ladder.'

scalar product

The dot product of two vectors, resulting in a scalar.

scalar field

A function that assigns a scalar value to every point in a space.

scalar multiplication

Multiplication of a vector by a scalar quantity.

vector

A quantity that has both magnitude and direction.

matrix

A rectangular array of numbers or quantities.

magnitude

The size or extent of something.

Something that is straightforward or simple.

This task is scalar, just add the numbers.

Referring to a measurement that is easy to understand.

Don’t overthink it; it’s just a scalar measure.