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Added definition in terms of Computer Science, and a couple other minor edits
A '''disease vector''' is an insect, animal or other organism which spreads disease indirectly. It is not the the thing which ''causes'' the disease, but is a "carrier". Mosquitoes carry a [[parasite]] which causes [[malaria]]. Dogs can carry a germ which cause [[rabies]].
A '''disease vector''' is an insect, animal or other organism which spreads disease indirectly. It is not the the thing which ''causes'' the disease, but is a "carrier". Mosquitoes carry a [[parasite]] which causes [[malaria]]. Dogs can carry a germ which cause [[rabies]].
In genetics, a '''vector''' is an agent, such as a virus or a small piece of [[DNA]] called a [[plasmid]], that carries a modified or foreign gene. When used in gene therapy, a vector delivers the desired gene to a target cell.
In [[genetics]], a '''vector''' is an agent, such as a virus or a small piece of [[DNA]] called a [[plasmid]], that carries a modified or foreign gene. When used in gene therapy, a vector delivers the desired gene to a target cell.
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In mathematics, a '''vector''' is a quantity with magnitude and direction. For example, an airplane has [[speed]] and a compass heading (e.g., 600 MPH, headed North).
In [[mathematics]], a '''vector''' is a quantity with magnitude and direction. For example, an airplane has [[speed]] and a compass heading (e.g., 600 MPH, headed North).
In physics, [[velocity]] is often considered a vector quantity while speed by itself is a ''scalar'' quantity.
In [[physics]], [[velocity]] is often considered a vector quantity while speed by itself is a ''scalar'' quantity.
Vectors in math and physics are typically graphed as arrows pointing in the direction of a quantity such as velocity. The length of the arrow shows its magnitude. This makes it easy to add vector quantities (you line up the tail of one arrow with the point of the other).
Vectors in math and physics are typically graphed as arrows pointing in the direction of a quantity such as velocity. The length of the arrow shows its magnitude. This makes it easy to add vector quantities (you line up the tail of one arrow with the point of the other).
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In [[computer]] science, '''vector''' has two meanings: that of mathematics (as described above), and as a synonym of [[array]]. The [[C++ programming language]] [[Standard Template Library]] uses the term in the second sense. The term is used in both senses in the domain of 3D graphics programming.
In computer hardware, '''vector''' indicates an [[array]] of numeric values stored in memory. For instance, a '''vector processor''' is a processor which specializes in performing operations on these arrays of numbers.
== Sources ==
== Sources ==