scalar

1 of 2

adjective

sca·​lar ˈskā-lər How to pronounce scalar (audio)
-ˌlär
1
: having an uninterrupted series of steps : graduated
scalar chain of authority
scalar cells
2
a
: capable of being represented by a point on a scale
scalar quantity
b
: of or relating to a scalar or scalar product
scalar multiplication

scalar

2 of 2

noun

1
: a real number rather than a vector
2
: a quantity (such as mass or time) that has a magnitude describable by a real number and no direction

Examples of scalar in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The simplest option is what’s called a slowly rolling scalar field. Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 And there are some hints that the scalar radius is different, as well. Jon Brodkin, Ars Technica, 3 Apr. 2023
Noun
By placing the scalar, tensor, and vector accelerators next to one another, the workloads can be shared among them. Mark Hachman, PCWorld, 2 Dec. 2020 Their next step is to make more realistic calculations that go beyond elementary scalar fields and incorporate messier forms of matter and radiation. Quanta Magazine, 2 Dec. 2019 See all Example Sentences for scalar 

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin scalaris, from scalae stairs, ladder — more at scale entry 5

First Known Use

Adjective

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1846, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of scalar was circa 1656

Dictionary Entries Near scalar

Cite this Entry

“Scalar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scalar. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scalar

1 of 2 adjective
sca·​lar ˈskā-lər How to pronounce scalar (audio)
-ˌlär
1
: arranged like a ladder : graduated
scalar chain of authority
2
a
: able to be represented by a point on a scale
a scalar quantity
b
: of or relating to a scalar
scalar multiplication

scalar

2 of 2 noun
1
: a real number rather than a vector
2
: a quantity (as mass or time) that has a magnitude which can be described by a real number but no direction

More from Merriam-Webster on scalar

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