vector

US /ˈvek.tɚ/
UK /ˈvek.tɚ/
"vector" picture
1.

a quantity having direction as well as magnitude, especially as determining the position of one point in space relative to another.

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The displacement of the car can be represented as a vector.
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Force is a vector quantity.
:
directionmagnitudequantity
2.

an organism, typically a biting insect or tick, that transmits a disease or parasite from one animal or plant to another.

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Mosquitoes are common vectors of malaria.
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Ticks can act as vectors for Lyme disease.
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carriertransmitterhost
3.

a virus or plasmid used to transfer genetic material into a host cell.

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Scientists use viral vectors to deliver genes into cells for gene therapy.
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A plasmid can serve as a cloning vector.
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plasmidviruscarrier
1.

to guide (an aircraft or missile) in the required direction.

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Air traffic control will vector the plane to the correct runway.
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The drone was vectored towards the target.
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guidedirectsteernavigate