vector meaning and definition

VECTOR noun

Definition of vector (noun)

1. a variable quantity that can be resolved into components
2. a straight line segment whose length is magnitude and whose orientation in space is direction
3. any agent (person or animal or microorganism) that carries and transmits a disease
   • "mosquitos are vectors of malaria and yellow fever"; "fleas are vectors of the plague"; "aphids are transmitters of plant diseases"; "when medical scientists talk about vectors they are usually talking about insects"
   • synonyms: transmitter
4. (genetics) a virus or other agent that is used to deliver DNA to a cell