vector

noun bek-TOHR Rare

Origin: From Latin vector (carrier, one who conveys).

Also means

carrier (of disease)

Usage Note

Vector is used in mathematics and physics for a quantity with magnitude and direction, and in biology for an organism (usually an insect) that transmits a pathogen. The two senses are distinct in context. Note the initial v is pronounced like a Spanish b — 'bek-TOHR'.

Examples

"El mosquito es un vector de enfermedades tropicales."

Natural Translation

The mosquito is a vector of tropical diseases.

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