scalar

1 of 2

adjective

sca·​lar ˈskā-lər 

-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

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

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

Phrases Containing scalar

• scalar product

Kids Definition

scalar

1 of 2 adjective

sca·​lar ˈskā-lər 

-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