vector sum

noun

: the sum of a number of vectors that for the sum of two vectors is geometrically represented by the diagonal of a parallelogram whose sides represent the two vectors being added

Examples of vector sum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The electric field at any point is just the vector sum of the fields due to each charge. WIRED, 27 Oct. 2023 Since each set of directions is what mathematicians call a vector, the combination is a vector sum. Dana MacKenzie, Discover Magazine, 20 Mar. 2023 The total force is just the vector sum of these two forces (called the net force). Rhett Allain, Wired, 8 Oct. 2020 This means that the total electric field at any location is the vector sum of the electric field due to whatever point charges are nearby. Rhett Allain, WIRED, 6 Aug. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vector sum was circa 1890

Dictionary Entries Near vector sum

Cite this Entry

“Vector sum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vector%20sum. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

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