vector
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vector
In mathematics and physics, a directed quantity that is represented by an arrow and has both a length (magnitude) and a direction. Vectors are used to describe displacements, velocities, or forces.
Um die Kraft zu beschreiben, müssen wir einen Vektor mit Betrag und Richtung angeben.
To describe the force, we have to specify a vector with magnitude and direction.
'Vektor' (vector) is a technical term used in various scientific disciplines. It rarely occurs in everyday language. The exact meaning always depends on the specific field.
Im Studium mussten wir lernen, was ein Vektor ist.
At university, we had to learn what a vector is.
The word comes from the Latin 'vector', meaning 'carrier' or 'transporter'. This basic idea of transporting connects all meanings: a vector 'carries' a direction (mathematics), a pathogen (biology), or a gene (genetic engineering).
Man kann sich einen Vektor als eine Art Transportmittel vorstellen.
You can imagine a vector as a kind of means of transport.
You can recognize the meaning clearly from the topic. In mathematics, it is about arrows and directions. In biology, it is about the transmission of diseases by animals. In genetic engineering, it is about changing DNA.
Der Pfeil stellt den Vektor der Geschwindigkeit dar.
The arrow represents the velocity vector.
In a mathematical context, a vector is often combined with verbs such as 'berechnen' (to calculate), 'zeichnen' (to draw), 'addieren' (to add), or 'multiplizieren' (to multiply). The nouns 'Betrag' (magnitude) and 'Richtung' (direction) are also typical signal words.
Die Aufgabe ist, die beiden Vektoren zu addieren.
The task is to add the two vectors.
sponsor / carrier
'der Träger' and 'der Vektor' can both have to do with pathogens in medicine and biology. 'der Träger' has a pathogen inside it and can pass it on, often without having symptoms itself. 'der Vektor' transmits a pathogen from one living being to another, for example an insect. The words can be confusing because both occur in the spread of diseases. 'Träger' emphasizes that the pathogen is present in the living being; 'Vektor' emphasizes transmission between living beings.
In warmen Ländern kann eine Mücke ein Vektor für bestimmte Krankheiten sein.
In warm countries, a mosquito can be a vector for certain diseases.
Beim Arzt erfuhr Herr Becker, dass er Träger einer seltenen Erbanlage ist.
At the doctor's office, Mr. Becker learned that he is a carrier of a rare genetic trait.