Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

scalar

Adjective / Noun

/ˈskeɪlər/

Definition

A single numerical value representing magnitude without direction.

Examples

The temperature is a scalar quantity, indicating how hot or cold something is.
In mathematics, a scalar multiplier scales a vector by changing its magnitude.
The speed of an object can be described as a scalar, showing how fast it travels without specifying the direction.

Meaning

In mathematics and physics, the term ‘scalar’ refers to a quantity that is fully described by a magnitude alone. Scalars are used in various contexts, including algebra and physics, to denote quantities like temperature, mass, and volume.