Definition of vector

The word "vector" has its origin in Latin. In the 14th century, the Latin term "vector" was derived from the verb "vectori," which means "to carry" or "to convey." Initially, the term referred to a person who carried or transported something, such as a soldier who carried a standard (hence, a "veerctor" meaning a bearer of a banner). In the 17th century, the term "vector" was adapted in mathematics to describe a quantity having direction and magnitude. This sense of the word is thought to have been influenced by the concept of a physical bearer or carrier, such as a force or motion that is conveyed through space. Over time, the mathematical term "vector" has evolved to encompass a range of meanings and applications, including linear algebra, physics, and computer science.