tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯr 

1

: a muscle that stretches a part

2

: a generalized vector with more than three components each of which is a function of the coordinates of an arbitrary point in space of an appropriate number of dimensions

Examples of tensor in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

These methods, which involve powerful mathematics called tensor networks and quantum error-correcting codes, amount to, very roughly, tapping out patterns of ripples in the boundary sphere that correspond to measurements at specific locations in the bulk. —Quanta Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024

Heterogeneous computing leverages different types of processors—such as CPUs, GPUs, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) and tensor processing units (TPUs)—to optimize workloads across various applications. —Manish Rajendran, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024

All of this was achieved using a single tensor processing unit (TPU) – similar to a GPU for processing graphics, but designed specifically to cater to AI, for high volume, low precise-computational processing – and was able to achieve 20 fps. —New Atlas, 8 Sep. 2024

To understand the geometric notion of a tensor, start with vectors. —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Latin tendere "to extend outward, stretch, draw tight" + -tor, agent suffix — more at tender entry 3

First Known Use

circa 1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: a muscle that stretches a part

Medical Definition

tensor

noun

ten·​sor ˈten(t)-sər  ˈten-ˌsȯ(ə)r 

: a muscle that stretches a part or makes it tense

called also tensor muscle