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Scalar: meaning, definitions and examples

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scalar

 

[ ˈskeɪlər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A scalar is a quantity that is fully described by a magnitude alone. Unlike a vector, it does not have a direction. Scalars are essential in mathematics and physics for representing quantities like temperature, mass, or speed without any directional component.

Synonyms

magnitude, quantity, value

Examples of usage

  • The temperature is a scalar quantity.
  • In the equation, the scalar represents the mass.
  • Speed is a scalar measure of how fast an object moves.
Context #2 | Noun

programming

In programming, a scalar refers to a single value or data point, as opposed to a collection of values. Scalars can include types like integers, floats, or strings, and are often used as the basic building blocks for more complex data structures.

Synonyms

primitive data type, single value

Examples of usage

  • The variable 'x' is defined as a scalar.
  • Scalars in this context can be integers or floats.
  • You need to handle scalar values before creating arrays.

Word origin

The term 'scalar' originates from the Latin word 'scala', meaning 'a ladder' or 'a scale'. In mathematics and physics, the term began to be used in the 19th century to distinguish quantities that are fully described by a single value (magnitude) from vectors, which have both magnitude and direction. The development of linear algebra and vector calculus further solidified the use of scalars in mathematical disciplines. Scalars are foundational in many scientific fields, being used to quantify properties without directional components, essential in simplifying complex calculations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,530, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.